2007 DECEMBER
Dec. 31, 2007

2007 Marks Deadly Year for U.S. Forces in Iraq
A suicide bomb killed at least 12 Iraqis at a security checkpoint north of Baghdad on Monday, as news emerged that 2007 was the deadliest year for U.S. soldiers in Iraq since the war started, despite an overall drop in Iraqi violence.

Dec. 26, 2007

Chicago's Military Academies Raise Education Debate
Elizabeth Brackett reports on a controversial program that has some of Chicago's public schools following the model of military academies, and the debate over whether it is an effective way to boost student performance in tough urban neighborhoods.

  

Dec. 26, 2007

New Law Could Pardon Thousands in Iraq
Thousands of prisoners in U.S. and Iraqi custody could soon be released if Iraqi lawmakers pass a law offering general pardons, officials said.

Dec. 20, 2007

U.N.-Backed Talks Deadlock Over Kosovo Status
Negotiations led by the U.N. Security Council to determine the future of Kosovo ended in a deadlock Wednesday, with Western diplomats saying talks would continue in European capitals over the fate of the U.N. administered province.

Dec. 19, 2007

U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Reduction Plan Announced
President Bush announced this week that he wants to shrink the aging U.S. nuclear stockpile to less than a quarter of its size at the end of the Cold War.

Dec. 18, 2007

Turkish Raids Against Kurdish Rebels Add New Tension to Iraq Conflict
The Turkish military conducted a raid against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq Tuesday, two days after Turkish airstrikes hit Kurdish targets. After a reporter examines U.S.-Turkish military cooperation, experts consider the background behind the cross-border tensions.

  

Dec. 18, 2007

Castro Letter Renews Questions over Future Cuban Leadership
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro conceded Monday that he might relinquish some formal leadership posts to make way for a new generation of leaders, a move that raised new speculation about his political future.

Dec. 14, 2007

N. Korea Agrees to Uphold Nuclear Bargain
On Thursday, North Korea reportedly responded to a letter President Bush sent earlier this month, saying it would live it up to its obligations to disarm its nuclear weapons program as long as the United States holds up its part of the deal.

Dec. 13, 2007

U.N. Envoy Reports on Extent of Myanmar Crackdown
A U.N. special envoy on human rights revealed on Tuesday that the force used in the crackdown against anti-government protesters in Myanmar in September may have been more brutal than originally reported.

Dec. 12, 2007

Triple Car Bombing in Iraq Disrupts Drop-off in Violence
In southern Iraq on Wednesday, a triple car bomb killed as many as 41 people and wounded at least 150, the worst bombing in four months. Damien Cave of the New York Times provides an update from Baghdad.

  

Dec. 12, 2007

Tensions Rise in Lebanon after Bomb Kills General
A car bomb killed one of Lebanon's top generals and his driver Wednesday, the military and state media said, adding more tension to the country's fragile political situation.

Dec. 12, 2007

Experts Assess Afghan Security, Reconstruction
Since 2001, NATO- and U.S.-led coalition forces have battled Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan with mixed results. In 2007, an estimated 2,600 people have been killed, a 50 percent increase over last year. Martin Howard of NATO and Barnett Rubin of New York University answered your questions.

  

Dec. 10, 2007

Analysts Examine Security, Rebuilding in Afghanistan
This year has been the most violent in Afghanistan since the Taliban fell, with more than 130 suicide bombings and more than 2,600 dead. Two analysts discuss the security and rebuilding prospects for the country.

  

Dec. 10, 2007

NATO Commander Details Afghanistan Security, Reconstruction
This year has been the most violent in Afghanistan since the Taliban fell, with more than 130 suicide bombings and more than 2,600 dead. U.S. Gen. Dan McNeill, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, discusses efforts to combat Taliban fighters.

  

Dec. 7, 2007

Russian Official Asserts Goal of Nuclear Parity with U.S.
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov, a possible candidate in the country's upcoming presidential election, said Friday that Russia must be on par with the United States in terms of military and nuclear arms.

Dec. 5, 2007

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Testing Rights of Detainees
The Supreme Court considered Wednesday whether terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo Bay have constitutional rights to challenge their detention in court. Legal experts evaluate the high court hearings and what a decision could mean for U.S. policy.

  

Dec. 5, 2007

Negroponte Assesses Iraqi Progress, Intel on Iran's Nukes
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte just returned from a trip to the Middle East where he urged Iraqi lawmakers to push through newly-crafted legislation. In an interview with Jim Lehrer, Negroponte discusses his trip to Iraq and a new intelligence report detailing the limits of Iran's nuclear weapons program.

  

Dec. 4, 2007

U.S. Policy on Iran Under New Scrutiny after Weapons Report
A day after a new intelligence report found that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003, President Bush warned that Iran remains a threat and could restart its weapons program at any time. Two members of the Senate Intelligence Committee discuss the report and U.S. policy on Iran.

  

Dec. 3, 2007

Iran Halted Nuclear Arms Program in 2003, Report Finds
A U.S. National Intelligence Estimate report released Monday found that Iran stopped developing nuclear weapons in 2003, but continues to enrich uranium and could still develop atomic arms in the future. Two intelligence experts discuss the findings and what they may mean for diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S.

  

NOVEMBER
Nov. 29, 2007

Now a Civilian Leader, Musharraf Vows to Lift Emergency Rule
After stepping down from his post as chief of the army, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was sworn in Thursday as a civilian leader and vowed to lift emergency rule on Dec. 16. A former State Department official and a Pakistani relations expert analyze the changes in Musharraf's government.

  

Nov. 28, 2007

Political Turmoil in Pakistan
On Wednesday, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf resigned as head of the army. The move came weeks after he imposed an emergency rule and dismissed part of the Supreme Court. The new court, handpicked by Musharraf, quashed legal challenges to his re-election. Two experts answered your questions.

  

Nov. 28, 2007

Pakistan's Musharraf Quits Army Chief Role
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf stepped down as army chief Wednesday -- a day before he will be sworn in as a civilian president -- in response to mounting opposition to his dual leadership role.

Nov. 27, 2007

Politics of Pakistan: Timeline
Formerly under control of the United Kingdom, the South Asian region's mostly Muslim provinces are divided into East and West Pakistan, and predominantly Hindu areas become modern India.

Nov. 27, 2007

Politics of Pakistan: Government Profile
Pakistan was founded as an Islamic state on Aug. 14, 1947 through the division of former British India.

Nov. 27, 2007

Opposition Parties Line Up to Challenge Musharraf in January
Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's decision to impose emergency rule on Nov. 3 gave opposition parties a rallying point and prompted Western allies to call on him to quit the army and become a civilian leader at last.

Nov. 26, 2007

Violence, Humanitarian Crisis Continues to Grip Somalia
Ongoing violence in Somalia has worsened the humanitarian situation in the war-torn East African country with disease, displacement and hunger among the problems. Two Somalia experts examine the crisis and the international community's response.

  

Nov. 26, 2007

Musharraf on Verge of Relinquishing Military Title, Officials Say
Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf will quit his post as army chief and take the oath of office as a civilian leader, aides said Monday, as Musharraf navigated a political scene roiled by the return of another exiled former prime minister.

Nov. 26, 2007

U.S.-Backed Mideast Summit Opens with Mixed Expectations
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, along with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Syria and other countries, plan to discuss prospects for a Palestinian state and other Mideast issues at a peace summit Tuesday in Annapolis, Md. Middle East experts assess the prospects for the conference.

  

Nov. 23, 2007

Pakistanis Reflect on Impact of Political Turmoil
The Pakistani government denounced a move by the British Commonwealth suspending its membership and speculation continued over when President Gen. Pervez Musharraf will step down as army chief. Margaret Warner reports from Pakistan on public reaction to the turmoil.

  

Nov. 23, 2007

Lebanese President Calls In Military amid Political Impasse
President Emile Lahoud said Friday that Lebanon is in a "state of emergency" and called for the army to take charge of security hours before he was set to step down. The pro-Western government of Prime Minister Fuad Saniora rejected the move.

Nov. 22, 2007

Local Militant Groups Pose Threat in Pakistan
Margaret Warner reports from Pakistan on the threat posed by local radical groups, the Aamy's role in the response, and reactions from Pakistanis.

  

Nov. 21, 2007

West Point Professor Seeks Paths to a 'Soldier's Heart'
At the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Professor Elizabeth Samet's upper level poetry seminar unearths the creative side of soldiers-in-training. Jeffrey Brown looks at Samet's use of poetry and her new book entitled "Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point."

  

Nov. 21, 2007

Pakistan's Media Struggles to Cope with Emergency Rule
Since Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared emergency rule more than two weeks ago, Pakistan's media has been forced to cope with strict regulations and sporadic news blackouts. Margaret Warner reports from Pakistan on how the country's media is dealing with its new constraints.

  

Nov. 19, 2007

Pakistani Crisis Persists as Activists Confront Military Government
A newly appointed Pakistani Supreme Court quashed several legal challenges to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's re-election Monday. Margaret Warner reports from Lahore, Pakistan, on how the conflict between activists and Musharraf's military government has impacted the country's civil society and fuels the political crisis.

  

Nov. 18, 2007

Extended Interview: Bhutto Promises to Continue Democracy Efforts in Pakistan
In an extended version of the interview aired Friday on the NewsHour, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto pledged to continue her campaign of political pressure aimed at ending the military rule of President Pervez Musharraf and warned of new instability if a peaceful solution is not found.

  

Nov. 16, 2007

Political Pressure Builds on Musharraf over Emergency Rule
U.S. envoy John Negroponte traveled to Pakistan Friday carrying a renewed call for President Pervez Musharraf to end emergency rule. The move comes after opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's release from house arrest. Margaret Warner reports from Pakistan, where she spoke to Bhutto in her first interview since her detention began.

  

Nov. 15, 2007

Musharraf Names Interim Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil
Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf tapped an interim prime minister Thursday who will oversee January parliamentary elections in the country as opposition leader Benazir Bhutto pushed separately to build a national unity interim government.

Nov. 14, 2007

War Vets Suffer Intensified Mental Distress Over Time, Study Finds
A new study suggests that mental distress in returning war veterans may take several months to surface. The NewsHour's Susan Dentzer discusses how soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and other illnesses.

  

Nov. 14, 2007

House Democrats Push War Funding Bill, Troop Drawdown
The U.S. House of Representatives debated a $50 billion war-funding bill for Iraq and Afghanistan Wednesday that would also require U.S. troops to start leaving Iraq within 30 days. Two House members discuss the conflict between Congress and the White House over spending priorities.

  

Nov. 14, 2007

Experts Discuss Waterboarding
The interrogation tactic known as waterboarding, or simulated drowning, has grabbed headlines in recent weeks and stirred legal and ethical debates. Malcolm Nance, a former Navy Seals instructor and Neil Livingstone, CEO of Executive Action, answered your questions on the controversial technique.

Nov. 13, 2007

Pakistan's Political Unrest Prompts Questions About Nuclear Arsenal
Pakistan remains under emergency rule despite President Pervez Musharraf's pledge to hold parliamentary elections in January. A nuclear security analyst and a Pakistani physicist assess how the political turmoil will affect the security of Pakistan's nuclear program.

  

Nov. 13, 2007

Bhutto Calls on Musharraf to Resign amid House Arrest
Police in Pakistan halted an opposition protest Tuesday and confined its organizer, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, to her home. Also on Tuesday, Bhutto called for President Pervez Musharraf to resign.

Nov. 12, 2007

Fewer Mortar, Rocket Attacks in Iraq, U.S. Military Says
The U.S. military reported Monday that mortar and rocket attacks in Iraq have fallen to the lowest level in nearly two years. A journalist in Baghdad assesses the reduction in violence.

  

Nov. 12, 2007

Change Comes by Way of Resort in North Korea
With help from South Korea and one of its major corporations, North Korea presents a deluxe picture to tourists who visit the Mount Kumgang resort, a complex of hotels and lodges as well as a spa and a coffee stand that sells lattes at Starbucks prices.

Nov. 9, 2007

Demilitarized Zone Reminder of War and Tenuous Peace
Stretching 155 miles wide and two and a half miles deep across the entire peninsula, the Demilitarized Zone divides the two Koreas. It also separates the universes of a war long forgotten by most Americans and a peace tantalizingly close for nearly all Koreans.

Nov. 8, 2007

Mukasey Nomination Intensifies Debate on Waterboarding
A House panel heard testimony Thursday on the controversial interrogation technique of waterboarding, which simulates the experience of drowning. A former Navy instructor and an intelligence expert discuss the legality and effectiveness of the procedure.

  

Nov. 8, 2007

Extent of Myanmar Protest Crackdown Revealed
Independent Television News reports on the emergence of new details on the extent and aftermath of a military crackdown on anti-government protests in Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma.

Nov. 8, 2007

Georgian President Calls Early Elections to Quiet Protests
After days of anti-government riots and the declaration of a nationwide state of emergency, pro-Western Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said Thursday the country would hold special presidential elections in early January.

Nov. 7, 2007

Iran Reaches 'Irreversible' Nuclear Program Milestone
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced Wednesday that the country's uranium enrichment program has reached a target of 3,000 working centrifuges.

Nov. 5, 2007

Thousands Protest Emergency Rule in Pakistan
Opposition groups said thousands of their supporters have been arrested in the wake of President Pervez Musharraf's declaration of emergency rule this weekend. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and two experts consider the political unrest in Pakistan.

  

Nov. 5, 2007

North Korea Starts Disabling Nuclear Reactor
U.S. experts began the process of disabling North Korea's main nuclear facility on Monday, the State Department said.

Nov. 5, 2007

Pakistan Declares Emergency Rule, Detains Lawyers and Dissenters
Against the United States' wishes, Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule over the weekend and arrested more than 1,000 people, including lawyers who were protesting the government's action.

Nov. 1, 2007

U.S. Service Member, Iraqi Deaths Decrease in October
Last month saw one of the lowest death rates of American soldiers in Iraq and a decline in those wounded as well. The number of Iraqis killed also fell compared to previous months. A reporter and a casualty researcher take a closer look at the numbers.

  

OCTOBER
Oct. 31, 2007

The Two Koreas: Political Timeline
Over the past 100 years, the Koreas have contended with Japanese occupation and fighting across their border as they work to stay relevant in the international political arena.

Oct. 30, 2007

Iraqis Move to End Contractor Immunity in Blackwater Backlash
An Iraqi bill to end foreign security contractors' immunity from prosecution is headed to a parliamentary vote after Iraq's cabinet approved the draft law Tuesday.

Oct. 29, 2007

Debate Stirs Over Possible U.S. Military Action Against Iran
New U.S. economic sanctions leveled against Iran last week over Tehran's nuclear program further fueled debate about the possibility of U.S. military action against the country. Two writers offer their perspectives on what the next steps should be for U.S. policy in Iran.

  

Oct. 29, 2007

Rebel Groups Boycott Darfur Peace Talks
Three main Darfur rebel factions boycotted peace talks with the Sudanese government over the weekend in Libya, throwing into doubt that any substantive progress would be made at the summit.

Oct. 26, 2007

Myanmar Takes Careful Steps Following Protest Crackdown
The military rulers of Myanmar, the country also known as Burma, released 50 pro-democracy activists as its representatives met with movement leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Human rights advocates assess conditions since last month's crackdown on the protests.

  

Oct. 25, 2007

Rice Announces New Set of Sweeping U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
The United States announced Thursday a new set of economic sanctions against Iran targeted to impact the country's military and halt Tehran's disputed nuclear program. A State Department official and a U.S. senator offer perspectives on the U.S. policy course on Iran.

  

Oct. 23, 2007

Iraq Moves on Rebel Fighters to Smooth Relations with Turkey
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki tried to ease tensions with Turkey by cutting off resources of Kurdish PKK rebel fighters near the Turkish border. Iraq's Kurdish deputy prime minister and Turkey's ambassador to the United States present their countries' viewpoints.

  

Oct. 19, 2007

Former PM Bhutto Seeks Full Inquiry Into Deadly Pakistan Attack
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto pledged to continue to push for a return to civilian rule in defiance of attackers who killed more than 100 people Thursday. After an Independent Television News report, journalists in Karachi provide an update on the story and the inquiry into the attack.

  

Oct. 19, 2007

Air Force Officers Fired Over Mistaken Flying of Nuclear Warheads
The Air Force on Friday relieved at least three senior officers of duty for their roles in the erroneous flight of several nuclear-armed missiles across the United States on a B-52 bomber in late-August.

Oct. 19, 2007

Bhutto Pledges No 'Surrender' to Militants After Deadly Attack
Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, her long-awaited return from exile marred by a suicide attack that killed up to 136 people, blamed militants Friday for trying to assassinate her and said she would not "surrender our great nation" to them.

Oct. 18, 2007

Deadly Blasts Disturb Bhutto's Pakistan Homecoming
Explosions went off near a convoy carrying former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Thursday as she returned to Pakistan after eight years of self-imposed exile. At least 108 people were reported killed in the blast. A reporter details the chaotic homecoming scene from Karachi.

  

Oct. 17, 2007

Turkish Parliament OKs Possible Invasion of Northern Iraq
The Turkish Parliament Wednesday approved a possible cross-border offensive into Northern Iraq in response to tensions between Turkey and Kurdish rebels in the region. International policy experts discuss the likelihood of armed conflict in the border region and the impact of Turkey's vote.

  

Oct. 16, 2007

Landmark Nuclear Agreement Between India, U.S. in Danger of Collapse
Opposition from lawmakers in both the United States and India threatens to derail the finalization of a historic nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries. Analysts discuss the issues stalling the pact and the possible implications if the deal collapses.

  

Oct. 16, 2007

Challenging New Chapter for Iraq's Marsh Arabs
After the overthrow of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in April 2003, local farmers throughout southern Iraq began to blow up dikes and earthen dams scattered across the former marshlands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to try to replenish the region.

Oct. 15, 2007

Tensions Among Troops, Insurgents Fuel Further Violence in Somalia
Unrest in violence-plagued Somalia continues amid tensions over the presence of Ethiopian troops who entered the country last year to oust an Islamic government. Independent Television News reports on the military and humanitarian situation in the East African nation.

Oct. 11, 2007

Turkey Lashes Out at U.S. Lawmakers for Armenian 'Genocide' Measure
Turkey criticized U.S. lawmakers and recalled its ambassador after a House panel voted to approve a measure that recognizes the killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I as "genocide." A congressman and a former U.S. diplomat explain the issues at hand.

  

Oct. 10, 2007

Iraqis Say Foreign Security Guards Fired Randomly at Women
Iraqi authorities said Wednesday that security guards working for a foreign security firm fired randomly when they killed two women at an intersection in Baghdad this week.

Oct. 9, 2007

Dueling Books Reignite Debate Over Israeli Lobby in United States
Two books examining the Israeli lobby in the U.S., "The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy," and "The Deadliest Lies," present opposing views on Israel's influence among U.S. policymakers. Authors John Mearsheimer and Abraham Foxman detail their stances.

  

Oct. 8, 2007

Iran's Influence in Iraq Under Increased Scrutiny
Iran's alleged influence over groups in Iraq that inflict violence on U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians has become another source of tension between Washington and Tehran. Experts assess Iran's connections to the conflict in Iraq.

  

Oct. 5, 2007

Shields and Brooks Look at Detention Policy, Election Race
Lawmakers lashed out over secret memos on interrogation tactics, and presidential hopefuls reported fund raising figures this week. NewsHour political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss these issues and other political news of the week.

  

Oct. 4, 2007

Leaders from North, South Korea Take Steps Toward Peace Treaty
Leaders from North and South Korea met to discuss a peace treaty that will formally end the Korean War. Independent Television News reports on the meeting between the long-divided Asian countries.

Oct. 4, 2007

Investigators Seek More Facts on Blackwater Shootout
Investigations continue over the Sept. 16 Baghdad shootout involving private security firm Blackwater USA, with an Iraqi probe claiming that at least 13 civilians died in the incident. A New York Times reporter in Baghdad provides an update on the case.

  

Oct. 4, 2007

Myanmar Junta Chief Willing to Meet With Pro-democracy Leader
The leader of the military junta in Myanmar, the country also known as Burma, indicated Thursday that he is willing to meet with detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi amid renewed focus on the nation after a wave of anti-government protests.

Oct. 4, 2007

Korean Leaders Move Toward Reconciliation
The leaders of North and South Korea announced Thursday they would take steps toward a peace treaty that would replace the Korean War's 1953 cease-fire and continue work to ease tensions on the world's last remaining frontier of the Cold War.

Oct. 3, 2007

North Korea Agrees to Disable Nuclear Complex by Year's End
North Korea agreed Wednesday to disable its main nuclear reactor complex and provide details on its nuclear programs. Chief U.S. nuclear negotiator with North Korea Christopher Hill talks to the NewsHour about the new agreement and the state of relations with Pyongyang.

  

Oct. 2, 2007

Blackwater Chief Defends Security Work in Iraq
The head of Blackwater USA, the private security firm implicated in a series of deadly firefights in Iraq, defended his employees' actions before a Congressional committee Tuesday, saying his firm had acted properly "at all times." Two top members of the House panel discuss the testimony.

  

Oct. 1, 2007

AU Peacekeepers Missing After Rebel Attack in Darfur
A weekend attack on an African Union base in Northern Darfur, Sudan, left at least 10 peacekeepers dead and 20 missing. From Khartoum, Charlayne Hunter-Gault provides an update on the search for the missing troops and the AU's role in the troubled region.

  

Oct. 1, 2007

AU Peacekeepers Killed in Rebel Attack in Darfur
At least 10 African Union peacekeepers were killed and more than 20 declared missing after rebels overran their base in northern Darfur over the weekend, in the worst attack on AU forces since they were deployed in 2004.

SEPTEMBER
Sept. 28, 2007

World Leaders Call for End to Myanmar Violence
President Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Friday joined world leaders denouncing the violence in Myanmar at the hands of the junta government. Indonesia's ambassador to the U.S. and a British foreign minister discuss the situation.

  

Sept. 27, 2007

Myanmar Military Exercises Strength Against Buddhist Protesters
Violence in Myanmar, also known as Burma, continued Thursday as the Asian country's government excersized force against the thousands of Buddist monks protesting there. Independent Television News reports on the situation.

Sept. 27, 2007

Iraqi Sunni Vice President Meets with Top Shiite Cleric
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the top Shiite cleric in Iraq, held a rare meeting with Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi Thursday to assess a strategy to unite the country's divided leaders and end sectarian violence.

Sept. 27, 2007

Procurement Process Slows Deployment of Improved Vehicles
In the final part of a three-part series on military equipment, NewsHour correspondent Paul Solman reports on vehicles designed to protect U.S. combatants from improvised explosive devices and other dangers.

  

Sept. 27, 2007

Rep. Hoyer Weighs Congress' Plans for Iraq, Budget Issues
U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., discusses his take on some of the biggest challenges currently facing Congress, including budget debates, U.S. funding of the war in Iraq and other topics.

  

Sept. 26, 2007

Junta Attempts to Quell Protests in Myanmar
Myanmar's military rulers cracked down Wednesday on a recent wave of anti-government protests, which have put a fresh focus on the country's controversial political situation. Two experts assess the latest developments in the South Asian nation.

  

Sept. 25, 2007

Protests in Myanmar Draw International Reaction
The military rulers of the South Asian nation of Myanmar threatened to crack down on continuing pro-democracy protests on Tuesday even as President Bush announced new sanctions aimed at bringing reform. Regional analysts examine where the standoff is headed.

  

Sept. 24, 2007

Defense Department Sticks With M-16s Despite Problems
As the Senate continues to debate military spending in Iraq, the NewsHour presents the second of three reports on how the Defense Department decides to equip U.S. troops, continuing with a look at M-16 rifles.

  

Sept. 24, 2007

Myanmar Government, President Bush React to Protesters
Buddhist monks, who have protested Myanmar's military government during the past week, have drawn support of thousands of civilian protesters and the attention of Myanmar and American officials.

Sept. 21, 2007

Burns Film Examines World War Two Through American Towns
Director Ken Burns talks about his new documentary, "The War," which takes an in-depth look at the effects of World War Two on four town across the United States.

  

Sept. 21, 2007

Defense Department Examines Body Armor
As the Senate continues to debate military spending in Iraq, the NewsHour presents the first of three reports on how the Defense Department decides to equip U.S. troops, starting with body armor.

  

Sept. 21, 2007

Senate at an Impasse on Iraq Withdrawal
A partisan divide plagues Congress' ability to reach a consensus on if and when the United States should begin withdrawing troops from Iraq. The NewsHour reports on the ongoing debate.

  

Sept. 19, 2007

Polls, Editorials Reflect Public's Differing Views on Iraq
A new Pew Research Center poll tracks changes in public opinion on the Iraq war following Gen. David Petraeus' testimony before Congress. Four editorial page editors discuss the public's perception in their regions.

  

Sept. 19, 2007

Senate Debates U.S. Troop Tours in Iraq
The Senate debated legislation Wednesday that would regulate troop deployments in Iraq. The NewsHour reports on the debate and what it means for U.S. military.

  

Sept. 18, 2007

Security Contractors Questioned After Blackwater Shooting
The Iraqi Cabinet said Tuesday it would review the status of all foreign security companies following the alleged killing of eight civilians by security firm Blackwater USA. Two experts consider the ramifications.

  

Sept. 17, 2007

Iraq Pulls License of U.S. Security Contractor
The Iraqi government said it will no longer allow the U.S. security contractor Blackwater USA to work in the country, following an open-fire incident in a Baghdad neighborhood Sunday that killed at least eight civilians.

Sept. 14, 2007

President Discusses War; Candidates React to Iraq Reports
Presidential hopefuls weighed in on the series of Iraq reports, with Democrats expressing skepticism over progress and potential for success. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss how Iraq-related news has played out on the campaign trail.

  

Sept. 14, 2007

Defense Secretary Gates Describes Plan for Iraq
The Iraq war has dominated headlines with a report from Gen. David Petraeus and President Bush's announcement of a phased troop withdrawal. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates talks about long-term plans for the country.

  

Sept. 14, 2007

Iraq Reacts to Progress Report, President Bush Speech
Iraqis gave mixed reviews to President Bush's plans for a phased troop withdrawal beginning next summer, which he announced following a report from Army Gen. David Petraeus. A reporter in Iraq discusses the on-the-ground response to the news from Washington.

  

Sept. 13, 2007

Citing Security Gains, President Supports Limited Troop Withdrawal
Saying additional U.S. soldiers have created more stability in Iraq and allowed some political progress, President Bush Thursday endorsed a phased withdrawal of troops to pre-surge levels by next summer, a move dismissed by Democrats as inadequate.

Sept. 13, 2007

Relationships of Presidents and Generals Discussed
The NewsHour takes a look at the history of presidential relationships with key generals. A foreign policy expert and a professor discuss some of the nations' most important commander-in-chief and general teams.

  

Sept. 13, 2007

Former U.S. Officials Examine President's Iraq Stance
Testimony from Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker has raised questions about the next step in the war in Iraq. Former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski and former State Department counselor Philip Zelikow discuss President Bush's plans.

  

Sept. 13, 2007

Key Sunni Ally Killed In Iraq
A Sunni sheik who allied with the United States against al-Qaida forces in Iraq's Anbar Province was killed by a roadside bomb near his home in Ramadi Thursday.

Sept. 12, 2007

Petraeus, Crocker Discuss Iraq Assessment
Army Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker discuss their Iraq war report, as Democratic leaders call for a speedy troop withdrawal and President Bush prepares to make a prime-time speech Thursday.

  

Sept. 12, 2007

U.S. Alliances with Sunni Tribal Groups Source of Cautious Optimism
When the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, reported to Congress in early September about the progress of the war, he cited alliances with a former U.S. foe -- Sunni tribal groups, now split from al-Qaida -- as one of the most promising signs in Iraq.

Sept. 12, 2007

U.S. Trainer of Iraqi Police Assesses Their Future
From 2004-2005, Michael Heidingsfield trained Iraqi police, surviving five assassination attempts. As a member of the Independent Commission on Iraqi Security Forces, he helped Marine Gen. James Jones assess Iraqi security. Now he answers your questions.

  

Sept. 11, 2007

Senators Assess Petraeus, Crocker Testimony
Army Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker provided their assessment of the Iraq war to the Senate Tuesday. Sens. Joseph Biden, D-Del., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., give their reactions.

  

Sept. 11, 2007

Petraeus, Crocker Continue Iraq Updates in Front of Senate Panel
Army Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker continued a second day of Iraq testimony with an appearance in the Senate. Crocker said a troop pullout would threaten political progress, but many senators criticized the state of affairs in Iraq.

  

Sept. 10, 2007

House Members Respond to Iraq Status Report
Army Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker appeared before Congress Monday to report on progress in the Iraq war. Four House members debate the next steps.

  

Sept. 10, 2007

Petraeus Touts Iraq Progress, Discusses Troop Drawdown
In long-awaited testimony, Army Gen. David Petraeus told Congress Monday the troop increase in Iraq has largely met its goals and he recommended a reduction in troop levels, as Ambassador Ryan Crocker described improved security. The NewsHour recaps the hearing.

  

Sept. 7, 2007

Iraq Reports Reveal Security Weakness; Petraeus Prepares for Congress
While Washington anticipates a status report on Iraq from Gen. David Petraeus, a series of previous reports revealed problems with the Iraqi police and government progress on benchmarks. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's news.

  

Sept. 7, 2007

Soldiers Face Stresses of War
Soldiers in Iraq sometimes face perilous patrols with little downtime. Two former officers who counsel soldiers exposed to combat trauma answer your questions.

Sept. 6, 2007

Panel Finds Progress, Problems with Iraqi Security
A report from the Iraqi Security Forces Independent Assessment Commission found the Iraqi Army is improving but the national police are dysfunctional. Panel Chairman retired Marine Gen. James Jones and former Washington, D.C. police chief Charles Ramsey discuss their findings.

  

Sept. 4, 2007

Lawmakers Discuss Iraq Visit, Unmet Benchmarks
Congress returned from its August recess to a series of reports assessing progress in Iraq, including one that found the Iraqi government is having trouble meeting most U.S.-set benchmarks. Four House members who spent time in Iraq discuss the situation.

  

Sept. 3, 2007

British Troops Complete Withdrawal from Basra Base
The last British troops left the Iraqi city of Basra over the weekend, putting the southern city in Iraqi hands. Independent Television News reports on Britain's withdrawal and what it may mean for fighting in the region.

  

Sept. 3, 2007

President Bush Delivers Prospect of Troop Cut in Iraq
In an unannounced trip to Iraq, President Bush said U.S. troops could start to leave the country if security continues to improve as it has in the Anbar Province. Military correspondent Michael Gordon talks about the president's meetings with Iraqi leaders and an upcoming report to Congress.

  

AUGUST
Aug. 31, 2007

Soldiers from Iraq, Afghanistan Cope with Combat Stress
Soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan often face daily attacks and are under constant alert. Two counselors who work with traumatized soldiers talk about their coping mechanisms.

  

Aug. 29, 2007

Cleric al-Sadr Suspends Shiite Militia for Six Months
After two days of intense battles in Karbala, Iraq, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered the suspension of his Mahdi Army for up to six months for "rehabilitation."

Aug. 27, 2007

Most Muslims Against Iraq War, But Say U.S. Aid Needed
A vast majority of Muslims in America feel the use of force in Iraq was wrong -- even more so than the general public, according to survey results -- but some say a continued U.S. presence is necessary for stability.

Aug. 24, 2007

MoveOn.org Defends Anti-Iraq War Ads
Liberal and conservative organizations have launched multi-million dollar advertising campaigns to pressure members of Congress to support their positions on the Iraq war. Representatives from both camps present their views.

  

Aug. 24, 2007

Advocates Launch Iraq War Ad Campaigns
Liberal and conservative organizations have launched multi-million dollar advertising campaigns to pressure members of Congress to support their positions on the Iraq war. Representatives from both camps present their views.

  

Aug. 17, 2007

Military Hopes Djibouti Humanitarian Work Will Combat Terror
American troops have been stationed in the African nation of Djibouti to engage in humanitarian work that the Bush administration hopes will prevent terrorist groups from taking hold. Special correspondent Simon Marks provides a report.

  

Aug. 15, 2007

Death Toll in Iraq Suicide Bombings Reaches 250
A series of suicide bombings in Iraq left at least 250 people dead, while political instability continues to plague the government. Regional experts discuss the country's political and security struggles.

  

Aug. 14, 2007

Suicide Attacks Kill 175 as Iraqi Government Plans Crisis Summit
The Iraqi military reported at least 175 dead in multiple suicide attacks Tuesday as members of the Iraqi parliament held preliminary meetings for a crisis summit. A New York Times reporter provides an update on politics and violence in Iraq.

  

Aug. 10, 2007

U.N. Votes to Expand Role in Iraq
The U.N. Security Council approved an expanded mission in Iraq Friday, unanimously voting to increase their political role and serve as an intermediary in negotiations between neighboring nations and rival Iraqi factions.

Aug. 9, 2007

British Troops Draw Down in Basra; Shiites Celebrate in Baghdad
British troops are pulling back from Basra, Iraq's second-largest city. Independent Television News reports from the embattled region, and then New York Times reporter Damien Cave provides an update from Baghdad, site of a major Shiite religious festival.

  

Aug. 7, 2007

NATO Troops Engage with Taliban Militants in Afghanistan
The Taliban continues to gain power in Afghanistan. A journalist from Independent Television News reports from southern Afghanistan, where NATO troops from the Netherlands who have entered the region.

  

Aug. 6, 2007

President Bush Confers with Karzai on Taliban Resurgence
President Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai met Monday to discuss the resurgence of the Taliban and how to deal with growing violence in Afghanistan.

Aug. 3, 2007

U.N.-AU Peacekeepers Face Challenges in Darfur
The U.N. Security Council authorized a 26,000-member peacekeeping force in the Darfur region of Sudan. Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations and a Darfur advocate discuss the conflict-ridden region.

  

Aug. 2, 2007

Journalist Describes Impoverished, Islamist Northwest Pakistan
The tribal areas of Pakistan have become an increasing dangerous place. A National Geographic journalist describes the challenges of traveling in northwest provinces such as Waziristan and interacting with Islamists.

  

Aug. 2, 2007

Iraq War Impacts Enrollment of Blacks in Military
While many still look to the military as a source of financial and professional development, the Iraq war has taken a toll on enrollment, particularly in black communities.

Aug. 1, 2007

Rumsfeld Says He Was Not Involved in Cover-Up of Tillman Death
Ex-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld denied any involvement in the cover-up surrounding the death of Pat Tillman, a football star-turned-Army Ranger who was killed by friendly fire. He testified on Wednesday during a House hearing investigating the case.

  

Aug. 1, 2007

Sunni Ministers to Leave Iraqi Government
Six Sunni Arab Cabinet ministers announced their plans to withdraw from the shaky Iraqi government Wednesday, as suicide bombings in Baghdad killed at least 67 people.

Aug. 1, 2007

Report Addresses Veterans' Care
Since inadequate facilities were uncovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, new attention has been given to veterans' health needs. Two experts on veterans' medical care answer your questions.

JULY
July 31, 2007

Joint Chiefs Nominee Says Troop Surge Making Headway
Adm. Mike Mullen, President Bush's nominee to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Tuesday that the troop surge in Iraq is making some headway. He also said security in Iraq is better, though still "not great."

  

July 31, 2007

U.N. Approves Peacekeeping Force in Darfur
The U.N. Security Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution to send a peacekeeping force of up to 26,000 troops and police to Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region.

July 26, 2007

U.S. Adapts Efforts to Counter Iraq Insurgency
While the military is constantly adjusting its tactics to deal with roadside explosives, suicide bombers and other attacks in Iraq, diplomatic efforts to address the root of the violence are evolving as well.

July 25, 2007

Freshmen Lawmakers Advocate Different Strategies in Iraq
Last fall, five newly elected House members discussed their expectations for the 110th Congress. They returned to talk about their views on the Iraq war and actions the House is taking on the situation.

  

July 25, 2007

Panel Calls for Changes to Wounded Veterans' Care
A presidential commission called for "fundamental changes" to the military health system. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala and former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., explain the panel's findings.

  

July 25, 2007

Pilots Discuss Use of Osprey
The V-22 Osprey, an airplane that can land and take off like a helicopter, is expected to deploy to Iraq in September, although critics contend it has design flaws. Two pilots answered your questions about the aircraft.

July 23, 2007

Veterans Struggle for Adequate Disability Compensation
U.S. soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan receive disability compensation based on the extent of their injuries and other factors. The NewsHour reports on how the military determines the amount injured veterans receive and efforts to improve the process.

  

July 23, 2007

U.S. Envoy Defends Diplomacy in North Korea
The United States ended talks with North Korea Monday without establishing a timeline for disarmament, though the Asian country has agreed to close one of its reactors. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill updates the situation.

  

July 19, 2007

Alexander Touts Iraq Study Group Findings
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who has cosponsored legislation requiring President Bush to implement the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, is the next in a series of conversations about Iraq.

  

July 18, 2007

Marine Tilt-rotor Aircraft Set for Deployment Despite Problems
The V-22 Osprey, a new tilt-rotor aircraft, is expected to be deployed to Iraq in several months, but critics say it has operational and design problems. Correspondent Betty Ann Bowser reports on the controversy surrounding the new aircraft.

  

July 18, 2007

Biden Pushes Plan for Partitioned Iraq After Troop Drawdown
A series of conversations about what may happen in Iraq after U.S. troops leave continues with Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., who has been pushing for the partitioning Iraq into more clearly organized ethnic areas.

  

July 18, 2007

Senate Falls Short on Iraq Troop Withdrawal Bill
A bill that would have forced President Bush to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq within 120 days fell short of the 60 votes needed to proceed. Democrats lost in their effort despite an all-night debate.

  

July 17, 2007

Graham Defends Military Surge in Iraq Despite Calls for Pullout
A series of conversations about what may happen in Iraq after U.S. troops leave continues with Senate Armed Services Committee member Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who supports President Bush's policy of troop buildup in Iraq.

  

July 16, 2007

Levin Proposes Starting to Pull Troops from Iraq in Three Months
A series of conversations about what may happen in Iraq after U.S. troops leave begins with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin, D-Mich., who has proposed redeploying troops within 120 days.

  

July 16, 2007

Pakistan, Tribal Leaders Hold Talks to Restore Truce
Tribal leaders and the Pakistani government are trying to restore a truce after militants killed at least 73 people in the North Waziristan region over the weekend. A former intelligence official and a scholar explain the situation.

  

July 16, 2007

Kirkuk Bombing Latest in Northern Iraq Attacks
A string of deadly bombings Monday in the northern city of Kirkuk killed more than 80 people and wounded at least 180, deepening concerns that Sunni insurgents are spreading to areas outside of Baghdad.

July 13, 2007

Iraqi Government Faces Increasing Pressure on Benchmarks
As Congress moves forward on requiring a troop withdrawal from Iraq, the Iraqi ambassador to Washington explains his government's wish for more time to reach its benchmarks, and two analysts discuss the debate.

  

July 13, 2007

Sudan Bombs Rebel, Civilian Targets in Darfur, Envoy Says
The Sudanese government has resumed bombing civilian targets in the war-torn region of Darfur after a short-lived period of quiet, the U.S. special envoy for Darfur said Friday.

July 12, 2007

Report Reveals Mixed Progress on Iraq Benchmarks
An interim report delivered to Congress Thursday revealed mixed progress on the political and military benchmarks set for Iraq's government by the United States. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, interpret the report and debate how it could affect legislation.

  

July 10, 2007

Pakistani Forces Storm Red Mosque, Kill Cleric
After days of battle, Pakistani forces stormed the Red Mosque in Islamabad Tuesday, killing at least 60 people, including hard-line cleric Abdul Rashid Ghazi. A reporter in the region provides an update.

  

July 10, 2007

Senate Debates Iraq Policy
The Senate is considering amendments that would set a deadline for withdrawing troops from Iraq. The NewsHour reports on the debate.

  

July 9, 2007

Senators Assess Iraq Strategy, Troop Presence
The White House said Monday that President Bush has no immediate plans to withdraw troops from Iraq. As the Senate heads into a week of voting on Iraq policy, two senators debate the current strategy.

  

July 9, 2007

Series of Explosions Kills More Than 200 in Iraq
After a particularly bloody weekend in Iraq in which at least 200 people were killed in suicide bombings and shootings, reporter Michael Gordon updates the situation from Baghdad.

  

July 9, 2007

U.N. Weapons Inspectors to Enter North Korea
The United Nations' nuclear agency decided Monday to dispatch inspectors to North Korea to oversee the shutdown of the country's plutonium-producing facility.

July 5, 2007

Women's Combat Roles Evolving in Iraq, Afghanistan
Although U.S. military policy prevents women from taking certain war zone assignments, they are increasingly filling dangerous jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan. An author, Army sergeant and retired Navy captain discuss the changing role of women in combat.

  

July 4, 2007

Six Canadians Killed as Violence Continues in Southeastern Afghanistan
Six Canadian soldiers and their interpreter were killed Wednesday in a deadly roadside bombing near the restive city of Khandahar in the southeastern part of Afghanistan.

JUNE
June 25, 2007

Blast in Iraq Targets Anti-al-Qaida Leaders
At least 50 people, including four tribal leaders opposed to al-Qaida, were killed in suicide bombings in Iraq. John Burns of the New York Times provides an update.

  

June 22, 2007

Schwarzenegger Discusses Reaching Across Party Lines
As a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has adjusted his approach to politics. In an interview, he talks the about compromises he has made and the ability of states to take the lead on national issues.

  

June 21, 2007

Military Grapples with Onslaught of Homemade Bombs in Iraq
The military reported Thursday that 14 U.S. troops in Iraq were killed, including five by a roadside bomb. Military experts and journalists discuss efforts to counter these improvised explosive devices.

  

June 21, 2007

U.S. Envoy Visits North Korea over Disarmament Deal
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill made his first trip to North Korea Thursday ahead of six-nation talks next month dealing with nuclear disarmament, made possible now that key sticking points have been resolved.

June 19, 2007

Mosque Bombing Kills Dozens; U.S. Troops Launch Offensive
A truck bomb that detonated outside a Shiite mosque in one of Baghdad's commercial centers Tuesday killed at least 78 people. A reporter gives the latest on the incident and on other developments in the country, including a new U.S. offensive targeting insurgents.

  

June 19, 2007

Baghdad Mosque Bombing Kills at Least 78
A truck bomb detonated outside a Shiite mosque in one of Baghdad's commercial centers Tuesday, leaving at least 78 people dead and injuring more than 200.

June 18, 2007

Fort Lewis Memorializes Fallen Soldiers from Iraq War
Washington's Fort Lewis, the nation's third-largest Army post, has endured numerous losses from the Iraq war, many from Stryker brigades that patrol Baghdad. NewsHour correspondent Lee Hochberg reports on how the base is coping with the deaths.

  

June 18, 2007

At Least 100 Killed in Afghanistan Violence; 7 Children Dead in Airstrike
Fighting in southern Afghanistan has resulted in at least 100 deaths in the past three days, Afghan officials said Monday, just hours after coalition forces reported seven children were killed Sunday in a U.S.-led airstrike aimed at al-Qaida members.

June 15, 2007

Russian Official Discusses U.S.-Russian Relations
President Bush is scheduled to hold a critical meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a few weeks to discuss a nuclear shield in Europe. A spokesman for Putin outlines key differences between the two countries.

  

June 14, 2007

Iraqi Minister Reacts to Mosque Bombing, Other Violence
A key Shia mosque was bombed for the second time in Samarra, while a new Pentagon report revealed that violence across Iraq has increased since the U.S. troop surge. An Iraqi official and a reporter discuss the events.

  

June 14, 2007

Abbas Disbands Unity Government After Hamas Takes Control of Gaza
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the Palestinian Unity government Thursday as the Islamic Hamas movement took control of the Gaza Strip, defeating rivals from Abbas' Fatah party.

June 13, 2007

Militants Attack Shiite Shrine in Samarra for Second Time
Suspected al-Qaida bombers destroyed parts of the Shiite Askariya shrine in Samarra on Wednesday, sparking fears of reprisal killings. A wave of violence followed the 2006 bombing of the mosque's golden dome. A reporter in Baghdad describes the latest developments.

  

June 13, 2007

Fighting Between Hamas and Fatah Rages Across Gaza
Hamas forces encroached on Fatah strongholds in Gaza Wednesday, gaining an advantage in what Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called "the first signs of a cruel civil war." Two regional experts, Ghaith al-Omari and Mark Perry, lend their perspectives on the conflict.

  

June 13, 2007

Bombers Again Hit Golden Dome Mosque in Samarra
Suspected al-Qaida militants blew up two towers of a revered Shiite shrine in Samarra Wednesday in a repeat of the 2006 attack that triggered retaliatory violence against Sunnis.

June 12, 2007

Hamas-Fatah Battles Escalate in Gaza Strip
Hamas gunmen captured a Fatah security headquarters building in northern Gaza Tuesday after battling for several hours using mortar shells and grenades, as factional fighting between the rival Palestinian parties worsened.

June 12, 2007

Sudan Accepts Joint U.N.-African Union Peacekeeping Force
The Sudanese government tentatively approved the deployment of a joint United Nations and African Union peacekeeping force to the conflict-ridden Darfur region Tuesday, ending months of wrangling over the presence of international troops in the area.

June 11, 2007

Experts Analyze American Progress with Iraqi Insurgents
Four months into a troop increase in Iraq, the United States is arming Sunni tribes to quell insurgencies in the region. John Burns of The New York Times describes the tactic, then international policy adviser Stephen Biddle and former military official Phillip Carter talk about the "surge" strategy.

  

June 8, 2007

Group of Eight Summit Yields Africa Aid, Little Else
Eight industrialized nations concluded their summit Friday after reaching an agreement on aid to Africa, but failing to reach consensus on climate change or missile defense. Two experts detail the conference results.

  

June 8, 2007

Gates Nominates Mullen to Replace Pace as Pentagon Leader
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates annouced Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Peter Pace's retirement Friday, saying Navy Adm. Mike Mullen has been nominated to replace him. The NewsHour discusses the new leadership with two journalists specializing in the military.

  

June 7, 2007

Experts Assess Mideast Progress Four Decades After Six-Day War
Forty years ago, Israel entered the Six-Day War, the beginning of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Two regional experts give their perspectives on the Middle East then and now.

  

June 6, 2007

Writer Details New Efforts to Fill Army's Ranks
Former soldier Brian Mockenhaupt wrote in the Atlantic Monthly about the Army's struggle to fill its ranks with a generation less willing and able to serve than in years past. He speaks about how the Army has adapted with new recruiting and training practices.

  

June 6, 2007

Differences over Climate Change Cloud G8 Summit
Members of the Group of Eight industrialized nations met in Germany Wednesday for the start of a three-day summit at which a main topic will be climate change. A German journalist and American international policy advocate discuss the conference.

  

June 6, 2007

Zarqawi Legacy Divides Sunni Opposition in Iraq
In the year since an American missile ended the reign of al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the movement he helped foster has continued to use Iraq as a rallying cry even as Sunni opposition to the militant group has increased.

June 4, 2007

Russian President Toughens Nuclear Stance
Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to aim nuclear weapons at European targets Monday in response to a planned U.S. missile defense program in Europe. An international affairs professor and a former Russian and Soviet army official discuss the tensions.

  

June 1, 2007

Iraq's Anbar Province Faces Political, Military Changes
Iraq's western Anbar Province is undergoing shifts in military and political power as Sunni Arab militants continue to battle with al-Qaida insurgents. A journalist and a former military official discuss the region's struggles.

  

June 1, 2007

At Least 18 Dead in Renewed Fighting in Lebanon
Lebanese troops shelled a Palestinian refugee camp housing suspected al-Qaida-linked militants Friday in the worst round of violence in nearly two weeks, killing at least 18 and wounding almost 80.

MAY
May 31, 2007

Drug Conflict Complicates Violence Between NATO, Taliban
After seven NATO soldiers were killed in helicopter crash in Afghanistan yesterday, violence continued Thursday between NATO and Taliban forces. A professor and a former U.S. Ambassador discuss the Afghan drug war and military clashes.

  

May 29, 2007

India Seeks to Expand Nuclear Power Capabilities
With India's demand for electricity expected to more than double by the year 2015, the country is attempting to increase its reliance on nuclear energy. NewsHour special correspondent Simon Marks reports from India on the country's growing nuclear industry.

  

May 28, 2007

Book Chronicles Arlington National Cemetery
The book, "Where Valor Rests," tells the stories surrounding Arlington National Cemetery through the work of professional photographers. Contributors to the book talk about their most meaningful moments.

  

May 25, 2007

Web Site Provides Millions of Military Records
The family history Web site Ancestry.com contains 90 million military documents dating back to the first English settlement in Jamestown, Va. Company CEO Tim Sullivan and genealogist Craig Scott discuss the possible uses of the records.

  

May 24, 2007

President Bush Links War in Iraq to War on Terrorism
President Bush told reporters Thursday that if U.S. troops are pulled out of Iraq, terrorists would bring their fight to American soil. Two terrorism analysts discuss the president's stance.

  

May 23, 2007

Military Searches for Three U.S. Soldiers in Iraq
New York Times photojournalist Michael Kamber gives a first-hand account of how an explosion briefly interrupted the U.S. military's search for three soldiers in Iraq.

May 23, 2007

Soldiers, Families Paying Price of Iraq War
In a follow-up to his report on the financial costs of the war, NewsHour economics correspondent Paul Solman looks into who in America is paying the price.

  

May 22, 2007

Experts Calculate Billions in Long-term Costs of War
Congress has approved about $450 billion to date for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but economists also have been tabulating the long-term costs such as veterans' care. Economics correspondent Paul Solman explores the broader costs of the war.

  

May 21, 2007

Fighting Continues Between Lebanese Army, Palestinian Militants
Fighting continued in Lebanon Monday between the Lebanese army and Palestinian militants. A reporter describes the scene and reasons behind the clashes.

  

May 21, 2007

Lebanese Army, Militants Clash at Palestinian Refugee Camp
Two days of gun battles in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon have left dozens of Lebanese soldiers, Palestinian militants and civilians dead in the worst internal fighting since Lebanon's civil war ended 17 years ago.

May 16, 2007

Palestinian Infighting Continues to Divide Gaza City
Despite calls for a cease-fire, fighting between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah continued Wednesday, leaving 16 people dead. Two Middle East experts discuss the recent strife in Gaza City.

  

May 16, 2007

White House 'War Czar' to Oversee Iraq, Afghanistan Conflicts
President Bush chose Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute to fill a new position of war czar, whose primary function will be to oversee operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two officials from previous administrations examine what the new job will entail.

  

May 15, 2007

Fighting Among Palestinians Reignites in Gaza
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for implementation of the government's security plan as clashes between rival factions Hamas and Fatah left at least 11 Palestinians dead Tuesday.

May 14, 2007

Search Intensifies for Ambushed U.S. Soldiers Near Baghdad
The U.S. military continued to search Monday for three troops who were ambushed while driving in a convoy south of Baghdad over the weekend. New York Times reporter Edward Wong provides an update.

  

May 14, 2007

Senior Taliban Commander Killed in Afghanistan
The Afghan government and NATO have confirmed that Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah was killed during a U.S.-led operation in southern Afghanistan Saturday night.

May 8, 2007

Six Men Arrested in Plot to Attack New Jersey's Fort Dix
Federal prosecutors have charged six Muslim men living in the United States with plotting to sneak into Fort Dix in New Jersey and kill as many military personnel as possible. The NewsHour speaks with the U.S. attorney working on the case.

  

May 8, 2007

Grassroots Groups Seek to Influence Iraq Policy
Following President Bush's veto of the war spending bill, Congress is considering a new bill that would fund the war through July. The NewsHour looks at the role of grassroots political organizations in the debate.

  

May 4, 2007

Reporter Looks Back at Key Iraq Battle
ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz talks about her new book, "The Long Road Home," which details the April 4, 2004 battle between U.S. troops and Iraqi militants in Sadr City, widely considered to be the beginning of the violent insurgency in Iraq.

  

May 4, 2007

Kurdish Issues Cloud Turkey's Dealings with Iraq
After years of tensions, Turkey is considering military action in northern Iraq to root out Kurdish extremists, as the country's frustration with the inaction of U.S. forces and the Baghdad government grows.

May 2, 2007

Karzai Denounces Reported Civilian Deaths from U.S., NATO Raids
Afghan President Hamid Karzai declared Wednesday that his government could not tolerate the continuing civilian deaths caused by international military operations, even as thousands protested his government and the U.S. presence.

May 2, 2007

Pentagon Forms Committee to Oversee Walter Reed Repairs
Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Wednesday that the military has formed a committee to oversee improvements to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The co-chairman of the independent review group, Togo West, details the responsibilities of the new committee.

  

May 2, 2007

Colombian's Visit Prompts Debate
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe began a three-day campaign in the United States Wednesday seeking more military and drug-fighting aid as well as a free-trade deal with the U.S.. Two experts on Colombia politics take your questions.

APRIL
April 30, 2007

Israeli Report Criticizes Olmert's Judgment in Lebanon War
In a harsh assessment of Israel's war with Hezbollah last July, an independent panel accused Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of "severe failure in the lack of judgment, responsibility and caution."

April 27, 2007

President Urges Congress to Work with Him on Iraq Funding
President Bush renewed his veto threat Friday against any Iraq funding bill containing language requiring a timetable for troop withdrawal. He encouraged Democrats to work with him on an alternative. Columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the power struggle.

  

April 27, 2007

Taliban Militants Briefly Capture District in Eastern Afghanistan
Taliban militants briefly captured an Afghan district government headquarters in the Ghazni province 100 miles southwest of Kabul Thursday, killing the district mayor, police chief and three policemen during several hours of fighting.

April 26, 2007

Uganda Attempts to End Decades' Long Civil War
The Ugandan government and the Lord's Resistance Army rebels, which have been mired in civil war for more than 21 years, agreed to resume peace talks Thursday. A report explores international attempts to end the conflict.

  

April 26, 2007

Senate Approves Spending Bill with Troop Withdrawal
A $124 billion war bill with a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq passed the Senate Thursday, after clearing the House late Wednesday night. President Bush has vowed to veto the legislation. The NewsHour provides a report on the congressional action.

  

April 26, 2007

Somali Leader Declares Victory in War with Militants Despite Violence
After a nine-day offensive by Ethiopian and Somali forces to clear Islamic militants from the capital city Mogadishu, Somalia's prime minister declared victory over the insurgents Thursday.

April 24, 2007

House Investigates Army's Handling of Tillman, Lynch Incidents
A House committee heard testimony Tuesday from the family of fallen Army Ranger Pat Tillman, as well as former Army Private Jessica Lynch. The witnesses suggested the Army glorified their stories to try to bolster war support.

  

April 24, 2007

Iraq's Diyala Province One of Deadliest for Troops
Since November, dozens of U.S. service members have been killed in Diyala, making it one of Iraq's deadliest provinces. Iraqis have not escaped the violence either. Military analysts discuss the persistent insurgency.

  

April 20, 2007

Military Forces in Afghanistan Combat Resurgent Taliban
NATO and Afghan forces are launching operations aimed at pre-empting a springtime offensive by Taliban militants. Independent Television News reports on their efforts.

  

April 20, 2007

War Supporters Continue to Back President Despite Low Poll Numbers
After the Democrats won control of Congress in November 2006, fueled largely by public discontent over the continued violence in Iraq, the Republican base of support for the war seemed to have lost some of its leverage.

April 20, 2007

Militia Stages Attacks in Niger Delta Seeking Local Control of Oil
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, first emerged in January 2006 when it launched coordinated attacks on oil installations and kidnapped four oil workers to protest the Nigerian government and foreign oil companies.

April 18, 2007

Baghdad Bombings Kill Scores in Worst Violence in Months
A series of car bombings killed at least 183 people in Baghdad on Wednesday, striking predominately Shiite areas. A reporter in Iraq gives the latest on the attacks, which marked the worst violence since a security crackdown two months ago.

  

April 18, 2007

U.S. Warns of New Sanctions Against Sudan if Darfur Violence Continues
President Bush said Wednesday the United States would seek to tighten economic sanctions and impose new ones on the Sudanese government if it does not take firm steps to end the fighting in Darfur.

April 16, 2007

Global Warming Poses National Security Threat, Report Finds
Global climate change could have an increasing effect on U.S. strategic interests and will likely pose "a serious threat to America's national security," a panel of retired generals and admirals said Monday.

April 12, 2007

Care for Brain-Injured Veterans Carries High Financial, Emotional Costs
The Veterans Affairs system cares for an estimated 1,600 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with traumatic brain injuries and other severe wounds. The NewsHour takes a look at the challenges of treating these veterans.

  

April 12, 2007

Democrats Criticize Military Tour Extensions
Following an announcement from the Pentagon that tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan will be extended from 12 months to 15 months, Democratic lawmakers again criticized President Bush's war policy.

  

April 12, 2007

Suicide Bomber Hits Iraq's Heavily Fortified Green Zone
A suicide bomber on Thursday killed at least eight people, including two lawmakers, at the Iraqi parliament in the heavily protected Green Zone in Baghdad. Experts discuss security there and how the attack could have happened.

  

April 11, 2007

Fighting in Western Sudan Spreads to Neighboring Chad
The fighting in Darfur in western Sudan has spread to neighboring Chad, where the United Nations says hundreds have been killed and villages burned. Independent Television News reports on the tension between the two countries.

  

April 9, 2007

Thousands of Shiites Protest U.S. Occupation in Iraq
On the fourth anniversary of the fall of Baghdad, thousands of Shiite Muslims called to action by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr marched peacefully in the streets of Kufa and Najaf demanding an end to U.S. military presence in Iraq.

  

April 6, 2007

Freed British Sailors Detail Captivity in Iran
One day after being freed by Iran, British sailors spoke at a news conference Friday of being tied up, isolated, and threatened by their Iranian captors. A military expert explains how soldiers are trained to deal with being captured and held hostage.

  

April 5, 2007

Former Child Soldier Recalls Experiences in Sierra Leone
Ishmael Beah, who spent three years as a child soldier in his native Sierra Leone before being rescued by UNICEF, recounts his experiences in his new memoir, "A Long Way Gone."

  

April 5, 2007

Students Encounter Lessons of War at Fort Bragg School
For students attending schools at hundreds of military installations, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are a constant topic for discussion, even at the youngest of ages. Special correspondent John Merrow reports from one school in Fort Bragg, N.C.

  

April 5, 2007

Security Situation Deteriorates in Basra
Four British troops were killed Thursday in a roadside ambush in Basra, a city in southern Iraq. A professor and a terrorism expert discuss the incident and security challenges there.

  

MARCH
March 30, 2007

President Bush Vows to Fix Conditions at Walter Reed Hospital
During a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Friday, President Bush said bureaucratic failures caused poor conditions for veterans there and that steps for improvement have been taken. The NewsHour looks at the quality of care veterans are receiving.

  

March 30, 2007

Somali Rebels Shoot Down Ethiopian Helicopter as Clashes Worsen
In Somalia's most violent clashes in months, Islamic insurgents and clan militias battled Ethiopian and Somali government forces, hitting an Ethiopian helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade on Friday.

March 29, 2007

Tuskegee Airmen Awarded Congressional Gold Medal
The Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black military airmen, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Thursday, 60 years after their participation in World War II.

  

March 29, 2007

Britain Asks U.N. for Help in Releasing Sailors from Iran
The U.N. on Thursday adopted a version of a British statement calling for the release of 15 sailors and marines who are being held in Iran, while Iran wants Britain to admit its sailors entered Iranian waters. Three analysts discuss the rising tensions.

  

March 28, 2007

Police and Militants Gun Down Sunnis in Revenge Attacks
Shiite militants and police killed as many as 60 people in revenge shootings against Sunni residents of Tall Afar, Iraq, on Wednesday. Two regional experts discuss the violence and the repercussions.

  

March 28, 2007

Video Shows British Sailors, Marines Seized by Iran
Iranian state TV aired footage Wednesday of 15 British sailors and marines who were captured last week. It is still in dispute whether the boats' crews were seized in Iranian or Iraqi waters.

March 27, 2007

Senate Narrowly Signals Support for Troop Withdrawal
The Senate showed slim support for nonbinding wording setting a target date of next March to remove troops from Iraq. A Republican attempt to scuttle the measure failed Tuesday in a 50-48 vote, mostly along party lines. The NewsHour presents excerpts of the debate.

  

March 26, 2007

China, Russia Call on Iran to Heed U.N. Nuclear Demands
Russia and China, which have trade ties with Iran, called on the Islamic republic Monday to fulfill the United Nations' demands on its nuclear program. Experts discuss recent developments.

  

March 26, 2007

Prisoner Faces New Tribunal Process at Guantanamo Bay
Australian prisoner David Hicks faced charges of providing material support for terrorism before a revamped military tribunal system at Guantanamo Bay on Monday. Miami Herald reporter Carol Rosenberg, who was in the courtroom, talks about the case, then analysts Neal Katyal and John Yoo discuss the future of the U.S. base.