Middle East

Syrian soldiers warned daily of sectarian dangers, defectors say

Each morning, after saluting the Syrian flag and before the warplanes take off, soldiers at army bases across Syria are given political orientation.
04:42 May 19, 2013

Reporter's Notebook

Afghanistan warns Kabul police: Start following traffic rules
Reporter's Notebook

Report: Kabul airport still a sieve for disappearing money
Reporter's Notebook

Government blocking of YouTube leaves Afghans frustrated

Karzai seeks Indian military aid amid Pakistan row

An aide to Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he will seek military aid from India during a three-day visit this week. Karzai's trip comes during escalating border tension with Pakistan, India's archrival.
07:08 May 19, 2013
Syrian activists: Shelling near Lebanon kills 16

Syrian activists say government airstrikes and heavy shelling of a strategic town near the Lebanese border have killed at least 16 people, including rebel fighters.
Anti-Taliban police chief shot to death

A police chief who had stood up repeatedly to the Taliban was shot and killed in a drive-by attack by four insurgents on motorcycles, officials said Saturday.
04:33 May 19, 2013

Fate of US bases depends on Afghanistan’s ability to secure, operate them

Driving over miles of bumpy dirt tracks, past acres of Conex shipping containers, scrap yards, concrete bunkers, metal barracks and tents, Lt. Col. Christopher Wendland gestures out the window at sprawling Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan.
14:28 May 18, 2013
Suicide bomber kills 15 in Kabul, including US troops and contractors

At least 15 people, including six U.S. military advisers, died Thursday in a suicide attack in Kabul that targeted coalition vehicles, officials said. The Islamist group Hezb-e-Islami claimed responsibility, saying it marked the beginning of a new military campaign against the Americans.
12:31 May 16, 2013
US special operations chief credits Afghan forces with war’s ‘shift’

The head of coalition special operations forces in Afghanistan said there’s been a major change in tone since the command he heads was set up last summer, much of it due to the rapid development of elite Afghan forces.
12:28 May 16, 2013
Marine rapid reaction unit moved to Italy amid escalating crisis in Libya May 15, 2013
Taliban say they've released last of eight Turkish civilians May 15, 2013
Aid workers welcome Taliban pledge to support polio vaccination campaign May 14, 2013
Iranian ship pulls up for a closer look at US-led exercise in Gulf May 14, 2013

Photos from Afghanistan

Innocents lost: Reflecting on Kabul blast’s young victims September 11, 2012
Afghanistan's a cricket nation, but all eyes are on taekwondo August 9, 2012
At scene of Kabul attack, a view of different worlds June 26, 2012
Another search, another fruitless day with villagers May 14, 2012
For Afghans who didn't protest, a feeling of helplessness March 1, 2012
For soldiers on Afghan patrol, too much time is on their side February 21, 2012
Afghan police chief: 'We want revenge' January 2, 2012
Fast and Furious cabs no match for Kabul’s Mad Max roads October 4, 2011
U.S., Afghan soldiers trade volleys — ‘No problem!’ October 3, 2011
Contagion, and a sense of humor September 27, 2011
In the war zone, time is an enemy August 17, 2011

Turmoil in the Middle East

Live now on the Tablet Edition

Does social media add fuel to servicemembers' degrading actions?

Degrading hate speech against women remains ubiquitous in the military, despite efforts to address the sexual assault crisis. screen.
Improved grenade design on the way

Troops can soon look forward to small improvements, even a possible complete redesign, of the fragmentation hand grenade.
Gallery

Wandering through Sicily with an eye for awe

A photo essay explores the charm of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Latest Blog Postings

Pacific Sportsblog

Far East fearless forecasting

Here are the teams to watch at this week’s Far East high school spring sports tournaments.
Pacific Sportsblog

Things learned, observed in Pacific high school spring sports season Weeks 12.0, 13.0

What to do about Kanto Invitational, congrats to Kadena softball, Ma Nature, soccer fellowship and other things.
Pacific Sportsblog

Things learned, observed in USFJ-AFL Weeks 4.0, 5.0

A few modest proposals to teams to improve their production; huge opportunity for command recognition.
Pacific Sportsblog

Pacific high school soccer ratings, pre-Far East edition

No movement in final regular-season top 10; could be major moves after Far Easts end.
Stripes Central

Fort Bliss gets on the microgrid, an energy first for DOD

The Army flipped the switch on an advanced power system at Fort Bliss Thursday, taking a step towards the Pentagon's goal to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its military bases around the world.
Stripes Central

Blue Star Families survey shows stress over finances, deployments

A by-the-numbers look at the annual survey, which surveys troops and their spouses about the successes and challenges they see while serving

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Syrian soldiers warned daily of sectarian dangers, defectors say 04:42 May 19, 2013
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