April 8, 2009

U.S., Lebanon mull expansion of bilateral relationship

WASHINGTON (April 8, 2009) – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates hosted Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr Wednesday at the Pentagon as the two leaders assessed the way ahead in the two countries’ military-to-military relationship and U.S. support to the democratically elected Lebanese government.

April 8, 2009

Mullen, Holbrooke work to build trust in Pakistan

WASHINGTON (April 8, 2009) – Building trust between the United States and Pakistan tops the agenda as the two countries and Afghanistan move forward, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said following meetings in Pakistan’s capital city Wednesday.

April 7, 2009

Gates supports reaching out to Islamic world

WASHINGTON (April 8, 2009) – A comprehensive American outreach effort to the Islamic world will pay dividends, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Tues day.

April 7, 2009

President praises troops during surprise Baghdad visit

WASHINGTON (April 7, 2009) – In a surprise visit to Iraq Tuesday, President Barack Obama declared to troops in Baghdad that now is the time for Iraqis “to take responsibility for their country.”

April 6, 2009

'Reconciliation' offers new start for nonviolent fugitives

FORWARD OPERATING BASE BERNSTEIN, Iraq, April 6, 2009 – The Iraqi army, aided by U.S. soldiers, helped more than 30 people here in Salahuddin province, north of Baghdad, on March 30 to clear their names of criminal charges against them.

April 6, 2009

Troops kill 52, capture 17 in Afghanistan fighting

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2009 – Coalition and Afghan forces have killed at least 52 insurgents and captured 17 others in four days of fighting in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

April 6, 2009

President visits troops during surprise Baghdad visit

BAGHDAD (April 7, 2009) – In an unannounced visit Tuesday, President Barack Obama addressed about 1,500 American service members, government civilians and contractors assembled in the rotunda of Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, the headquarters of Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

April 5, 2009

Gates touts new strategy to Afghan people

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2009 – The United States does not want to remain in Afghanistan one day longer than it has to, but the mission will take time, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during an interview with Afghan television Friday.

April 2, 2009

Troops train new Afghan police 'STT' teams

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, April 2, 2009 – Three U.S. military police officers are tasked with mentoring Afghan National Police in an area larger than the state of Delaware -- a situation that calls for some creativity.

April 1, 2009

Petraeus explains differences in Afghanistan, Pakistan strategies

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2009) – Although the U.S. government recognizes the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan, it makes sense from a strategy standpoint to consider the two countries as one theater, the commander of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.