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
3 years later, Democrats cast Petraeus in new light
In less than three years, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus has risen from the brunt of ridicule by Democrats to President Obama's most valuable field general. Published July 5, 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
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
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
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
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
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
