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Rowan Scarborough

Articles by Rowan Scarborough

Pentagon to cut out big-war funds

The Pentagon has begun a new hunt for cost savings that likely will lead to scaling back big-war weapons systems in favor of funding smaller conflicts typified by Iraq and Afghanistan. Published August 3, 2010

Bombers, missiles could end Iran nukes

A Pentagon strike against Iran would rely heavily on the B-2 bomber and cruise missiles to try to destroy the regime's ability to make nuclear weapons, analysts say, after the top U.S. military officer said a war plan is in place. Published August 2, 2010

Safety burden shifts to State Department after Iraq war

The Obama administration has not settled on a plan to protect and supply thousands of State Department diplomats and employees left behind in Iraq once all but a relatively few U.S. troops leave the county in a little more than a year. Published July 25, 2010

Obama at odds with Petraeus doctrine on ‘Islam’

The White House's official policy of banning the word "Islam" in describing America's terrorist enemies is in direct conflict with the U.S. military's war-fighting doctrine now guiding commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan. Published July 11, 2010

War plan relations soured early on

The inappropriate comments by Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal and his staff about civilian leaders reflected a widespread frustration with White House infighting over the general's one-year-old war plan. Published June 27, 2010

An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Pfc. Benjamin J. Park Sunday, June 20, 2010, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Park, of Fairfax Station, Va., died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Troops ‘weary’ of Afghanistan fighting

Within the U.S. military's rank and file, there are growing doubts about winning in Afghanistan, a mood that contradicts upbeat war reports delivered to Congress last week by the top commander and officials. Published June 20, 2010

Rep. Mike Pence said on the House floor that Turkey's actions are "deeply troubling." (Associated Press)

Turkey’s shift spurs concern on Capitol Hill

The deadly May 31 flotilla clash off Gaza has prompted some in Congress to condemn Turkey, not Israel, and to note with concern Ankara's steady shift in favor of U.S. adversaries Iran and Hamas. Published June 13, 2010

Mullen

Military chiefs split with Mullen on gays

The debate over gays in the military has driven an extraordinary public wedge between the nation's highest-ranking military officer and the four service chiefs who collectively make up the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Published June 1, 2010

Israel arms may not be enough to stop nukes

As the Obama administration continues to pursue a diplomatic solution for Iran's nuclear weapons program, Israel in recent years has extended the range of its bombers, launched sophisticated spy satellites and developed a more accurate ordnance-dropping system. Published May 24, 2010

PREPARING: Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon was Israel's top uniformed officer during the weapons buildup. (Associated Press)

Israel arms may not be enough to stop nukes

As the Obama administration continues to pursue a diplomatic solution for Iran's nuclear weapons program, Israel in recent years has extended the range of its bombers, launched sophisticated spy satellites and developed a more accurate ordnance-dropping system. Published May 23, 2010

Appointment of admiral seen as key in 9/11 trial switch

The appointment of a well-respected ex-Navy lawyer to oversee war-crime trials is being seen in military legal circles as a sign the Obama administration might reverse its decision to bring Khalid Shaikh Mohammed to New York. Published May 18, 2010

BRINGING IN THE BIG GUN: Vice Adm. Bruce MacDonald will be the authority on war-crime trials. (U.S. Navy)

Appointment of admiral seen as key in 9/11 trial switch

The appointment of a well-respected ex-Navy lawyer to oversee war-crime trials is being seen in military legal circles as a sign the Obama administration might reverse its decision to bring Khalid Shaikh Mohammed to New York for a civilian trial. Published May 18, 2010

Report details depravity of SEALs’ accuser

The just-concluded military trials of three exonerated Navy SEALs showed the terrorism suspect at the center of the case to be one of the most dangerous men in Iraq. Published May 10, 2010

Military defends prosecution of SEALs

The U.S. military is issuing an extensive defense of its decision to prosecute three Navy SEALs on charges of abusing a terrorism suspect they had captured in Iraq, after two of the servicemen were found not guilty during courts-martial. Published May 3, 2010

Military cancels nuclear attack test

The U.S. military has canceled a major field exercise that tests its response to a nuclear attack, angering some officials who say that what is now planned for this month will be a waste of time. Published April 26, 2010

Karzai’s rants for half-brother not against Obama

When Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai lashed out at the United States and NATO earlier this month, the conventional wisdom said he had been taken to the woodshed by President Obama — and didn't like it. But current and former U.S. officials say Mr. Karzai's anger at the West is driven more by a series of events having more to do with his brother. Published April 19, 2010

Democrats want anti-Bush loyalist for GAO director

Congressional Democrats are pushing for the appointment of a party loyalist and frequent critic of President George W. Bush to a powerful government watchdog post that historically has gone to nonpartisan nominees. Published April 13, 2010

Women in submarines face health issues

A specialist on undersea medicine is warning Congress that the air inside a submarine can be hazardous to fetal development. Published April 5, 2010

Case against 3 SEALs weakens

Cracks are beginning to appear in the military's prosecution of three Navy SEALs accused of striking a most-wanted terrorism suspect they had captured in Iraq. Published March 29, 2010