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2012 DECEMBER
Dec. 28, 2012
Conversation
Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, 78, 'Stormin' Commander in Persian Gulf War
As the U.S. commander of forces during the Persian Gulf War, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf was dubbed "Stormin' Norman" for his no-nonsense style and swift victory. Margaret Warner talks to New York Times reporter and author Michael Gordon about Schwarzkopf, who died at the age of 78.

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Dec. 28, 2012
Blog
Remembering Gulf War Commander Norman Schwarzkopf
Best known as the commander of U.S. forces during the Gulf War, NewsHour remembers the late Norman Schwarzkopf by revisiting a 1990 interview with the general, which broadcast just weeks after Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait. Schwarzkpf passed away Thursday at the age of 78.


Dec. 20, 2012
Update
Honoring the Fallen Soldiers of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
We end the NewsHour with the latest military deaths, a part of our ongoing honor roll of the American service personnel killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

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Dec. 18, 2012
Blog
As 'Nisei' Soldier, Sen. Daniel Inouye Fought to Prove His Loyalty to America
World War II Medal of Honor recipient and Senate pro tempore Daniel Inouye died Monday. The 88-year-old Democrat from Hawaii was the second-longest serving U.S. senator in history and was one of three remaining World War II vets currently serving in Congress.


Dec. 14, 2012
Report
News Wrap: U.S. Contributes Troops, Missiles to NATO Protection for Turkey
In other news Friday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the United States will send patriot missiles and 400 U.S. troops to Turkey. American soldiers will be part of a larger NATO force meant to protect Turkey from possible Syrian missile attacks.

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Dec. 13, 2012
Analysis
Outgoing U.S. Envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan Progress, Dialogue With Taliban
Two years ago, an Afghan peace process was not a realistic prospect for a region plagued by war. Margaret Warner talks to U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman about his role in making contact and engaging in talks with Taliban officials, and what to expect as U.S. prepares to withdraw troops by 2014.

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Dec. 13, 2012
Report
Afghan and Pakistani Officials Meet to Discuss Border Conflicts and the Taliban
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to discuss a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region by 2014, putting pressure on Afghanistan to rectify its relationship with Pakistan and find a political solution to the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Margaret Warner reports.

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Dec. 13, 2012
Blog
Commentary: Paying Down Credit Card Wars
How is the United States going to pay for a future war? This is exactly what Michael D. Mosettig, NewsHour's international think tank beat columnist, ponders after a recent panel discussion in Washington called "The Changing Nature of Warfare."


Dec. 4, 2012
Conversation
Today's Generals Are Well-Trained, But Ill-Prepared for Battle
During World War II, only 10 percent of trained generals were approved for active duty. Now, journalist Tom Ricks says, "Mediocrity is an accepted core value in the performance of generals." Ray Suarez talks to Ricks about his new book, "The Generals," which examines the history of U.S. military commanders.

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NOVEMBER
Nov. 15, 2012
Report
News Wrap: Former CIA Director Petraeus Denies Leaking Classified Materials
In other news Thursday, former CIA director David Petraeus denied he gave any classified information to Paula Broadwell, with whom he had an extramarital affair. The CIA announced it would investigate Petraeus' conduct, and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the military was reviewing its training for senior commanders.

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Nov. 14, 2012
Analysis
What Happens When U.S. Military Leaders Fail to Live Up to High Expectations
Americans hold U.S. military officers to a high ethical standard and propriety. Judy Woodruff talks to Richard Kohn of the University of North Carolina and retired Col. Andrew Bacevich on whether these standards are reasonable and why the U.S. is fascinated by the recent scandals of Generals like David Petraeus and John Allen.

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Nov. 14, 2012
Report
News Wrap: Rep. Nancy Pelosi Will Retain Role as House Minority Leader
In other news Wednesday, Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced she would run again for the position of House Minority Leader, with Democrats backing her leadership. Also, word broke that former CIA director David Petraeus will testify about the attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya at an upcoming Senate hearing.

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Nov. 13, 2012
Report
News Wrap: U.S. General Demoted for Spending Thousands on Lavish Expenses
In other news Tuesday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta demoted Gen. William "Kip" Ward from a four-star to three-star Lt. General after an investigation found Ward had spent $82,000 on extravagant travel and other expenses, including using military vehicles to transport his wife for shopping trips.

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Nov. 13, 2012
Analysis
Should Lawmakers and White House Have Been Warned of Petraeus Investigation?
When the Petraeus news hit, congressional leaders bemoaned not being notified beforehand. Gwen Ifill talks to Jane Harman, former ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and former Justice Department official Matthew Miller about when and if Congress and the president should be briefed on such investigations.

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Nov. 13, 2012
Report
Top U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Investigated as Part of Petraeus Affair
Another high-ranking military officer may somehow be involved in the Petraeus affair scandal. Jeffrey Brown talks to the Washington Post's Sari Horowitz about an investigation into messages sent by Gen. John Allen to Jill Kelley, the woman who received harrassing emails from Paula Broadwell, David Petraeus' lover and biographer.

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Nov. 12, 2012
Conversation
Iraq Veteran's War Fiction Taps Personal Experience
Kevin Powers served in the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. When he returned to the U.S. he turned initially to poetry to work through his own questions about his experience, but found he needed "a larger canvas." Jeffrey Brown talks to Powers about his novel, "Yellow Birds," which is nominated for the National Book Award.

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Nov. 12, 2012
Analysis
Honoring Soldiers Who Fought and Died in the Recent Afghanistan and Iraq Wars
As the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq wind down, the gap between soldier and society only widens. Gwen Ifill talks to Dartmouth College's president emeritus James Wright, who says he is concerned about how Americans will choose to remember and honor those fallen in the line of fire during the two longest wars in U.S. history.

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Nov. 12, 2012
Report
Veterans Face Uphill Battle for Benefits When Field Records Are Lost, Destroyed
"History is the last thing we care about during war, and the last thing we think about when we get home," says ProPublica's Peter Sleeth, who talks to Jeffrey Brown about the challenges facing veterans who need access to benefits but whose records have been wiped out.

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Nov. 12, 2012
Analysis
As Details Emerge on Petraeus Affair, Fallout May Echo Far Beyond Resignation
After David Petraeus resigned from his post as director of the CIA last week, details of his extramarital affair with biographer Paula Broadwell continued to materialize. Jeffrey Brown reports on the affair, the FBI investigation and the fallout. Gwen Ifill talks to three guests about national implications of the scandal.

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Nov. 12, 2012
Update
Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims By Veterans
A Pro Publica-Seattle Times investigation found that field records from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not kept, were destroyed or simply cannot be found.

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Nov. 12, 2012
Blog
Meet the Incoming Congressional Class Veterans
At least a dozen newly elected members of the U.S. House of Representatives are veterans, a record number of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Nov. 12, 2012
Blog
Meet Veteran, Representative-elect Tom Cotton
Meet veteran and representative-elect Tom Cotton, R-Ark., whose experience in the military has prepared him to work in Congress because he says, "it tested me in ways never before and gave me more confidence to become a leader."


Nov. 12, 2012
Blog
Meet Veteran, Representative-elect Tulsi Gabbard
Meet veteran and representative-elect Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, who is one of the first women war combat veterans to serve in Congress. She joined the military after the events of Sept. 11 enlisting in the Hawaii Army National Guard.


Nov. 9, 2012
Analysis
David Petraeus Resigns From CIA After Revealing Extramarital Affair
In a surprise resignation, CIA director and retired four-star General David Petraeus announced he would step down after admitting to an extramarital affair. Ray Suarez talks to the Washington Post's Greg Miller and retired Army Col. Peter Mansoor about Petraeus' career and the sensitive nature of leading the CIA.

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OCTOBER
Oct. 23, 2012
Report
Congressional Sequestration Squabble Has Local Economic Resonance in Virginia
In the latest installment in our Battleground Dispatches series, Cathy Lewis of WHRO in Hampton Roads, Va., looks at how concern over sequestration is playing out as a local voting issue. Gwen Ifill talks to Roll Call's Steve Dennis and Josh Rogin of Foreign Policy about how congress is working on facing its budget negotiations.

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Oct. 23, 2012
Analysis
From 'Apology Tour' to Bayonets: Fact-Checking the Debate on Foreign Policy
Margaret Warner fact-checks different debate highlights, including Mitt Romney's characterization of President Obama's early overseas trips, what the candidates said about their opponent's and their own defense spending proposals, and the ideal scope and size of the Navy.

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Oct. 8, 2012
Blog
Listen To Me: Spotlight California
The current economic environment in the Golden State is far less sunny than its weather. Voters in California have dealt with high unemployment, stunning foreclosure rates and, in the past week, saw gas prices shoot to almost $5 a gallon. Economic circumstances might make the state sound ripe for a political change.


Oct. 4, 2012
Blog
Conversation: Kevin Powers, Author of 'The Yellow Birds'
Jeffrey Brown talks to Kevin Powers, author of the novel "The Yellow Birds" and who served in the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2004 and 2005.

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SEPTEMBER
Sept. 28, 2012
Report
Hunting for Mines in Persian Gulf as Tensions Between Israel and Iran Build
The U.S. Navy and more than 30 countries went into the Persian Gulf to search and destroy underwater mines. The military exercise is one of many preparations made over Iran possibly placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz should Israel ever attempt to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Ray Suarez reports.

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Sept. 28, 2012
Blog
Jellyfish, Sea Snakes and Beetles: The Challenges of Hunting for Sea Mines
The U.S. Navy has beefed up its mine hunting capabilities in the Middle East as tensions with Iran over its nuclear program have heated up. Earlier this month, Navy divers were on board the USS Warrior in the Persian Gulf participating in the largest exercise ever aimed at finding and neutralizing mines.

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Sept. 21, 2012
Report
News Wrap: Leon Panetta Announces U.S. Surge Troops Withdrawn from Afghanistan
In other news Friday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that all 33,000 U.S. troops sent to Afghanistan as part of a military surge in 2010 have left the country.

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Sept. 20, 2012
Blog
As Israel's Threat to Bomb Iran Looms, U.S. Vows to Keep Aircraft Carrier Nearby
USS ENTERPRISE, North Arabian Sea | The U.S. Navy is vowing to keep commercial sea lanes open in the international waters off Iran, despite a view among a small number of critics that Washington's military muscle may inadvertently stoke tensions with Tehran in the event of a crisis.


Sept. 20, 2012
Slide Show
Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise
The USS Enterprise is in the Northern Arabian Sea providing strike aircraft in the war in Afghanistan.


Sept. 17, 2012
Blog
Military Not Doing Enough to Curb Alcohol, Drug Abuse, IOM Concludes
Many treatment and prevention approaches to alcoholism and drug abuse within the military are outdated and in dire need of overhaul, according to a report released Monday by the prestigious Institute of Medicine.

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Sept. 17, 2012
Analysis
As U.S. Plans Military Exit, a Challenge to Reassure, Train Afghans
While the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan is on the horizon, the death toll for foreign troops rises. Taliban fighters launched attacks on a U.S. military base and some Afghan troops turned their weapons on U.S. and NATO allies. Judy Woodruff talks to Ret. Lt. Col. John Nagl and Johns Hopkins University's Vali Nasr for more.

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Sept. 17, 2012
Analysis
Police Attempt to Quell Anti-Islam Video Protests in Indonesia and Afghanistan
People in Muslim majority countries in Asia, including Indonesia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, joined together for unruly and sometimes deadly protests, meeting resistance from police. In Afghanistan, the protests added to tensions over recent Taliban and attacks on foreign troops. Judy Woodruff reports.

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Sept. 16, 2012
Blog
Iran Watching as U.S. Military Launches Exercise in Strait of Hormuz
KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait | The United States, along with more than 27 other countries from four different continents, began Sunday the largest ever military exercise aimed at practicing how to find and destroy sea mines in the waters of the Middle East.


Sept. 11, 2012
Blog
President Obama Remembers the 9/11 Victims, Says They 'Will Never Be Forgotten'
U.S. flags fly at half-staff Tuesday, marking the anniversary of September 11. Americans paused to remember those who were lost 11 years ago in New York, Arlington, Va., and Shanksville, Pa., and those since, who served and died in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Sept. 5, 2012
Report
'Trust Is Absolutely Essential:' Combatting Afghan Infiltrator Violence
Margaret Warner talks to Ret. Army Lt. Col. John Nagl, who commanded training of Afghan soldiers, about the challenge of enforcing the 2014 deadline to get combat troops out of Afghanistan, "basic human infrastructure" and educational hurdles, and how the Iraq war diverted resources from training Afghan forces for years.

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Sept. 4, 2012
Blog
Killer Infiltrators Threaten Afghan Community Policing Effort
Last Saturday, the head of the American Special Operations Command in Afghanistan suspended training for a small part of the Afghan security force (the Afghan Local Police, or A.L.P. program) partly due to the deaths of five special operators at the hands of their Afghan mentees in August.

AUGUST
Aug. 29, 2012
Analysis
While Economy Talk Dominates the Convention, Exploring Romney's Foreign Policy
Though foreign policy has been largely overshadowed by economy talk at the RNC, Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff talk to Romney adviser Vin Weber, a former Minn. congressman, as well as former Sen. Norm Coleman about how the nominee would approach the crisis in Syria, negotiating with China, plus President Obama's track record.

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Aug. 29, 2012
Report
News Wrap: President Obama Targets Romney on Health Care During Tour of Colleges
In a campaign visit to the University of Virginia, President Obama attacked Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney for not caring about Americans' health care. Also, three NATO troops were shot and killed today in Afghanistan in another incident of "insider violence" -- the culprit was a man in an Afghan army uniform.

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Aug. 29, 2012
Blog
Vet Activist Goes on Hunger Strike in Front of White House
When the Army released data earlier this month showing that suicides had spiked to an all-time high, Tom Mahany decided he had to do something to focus more attention on the issue. He went on a hunger strike in front of the White House.

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Aug. 24, 2012
Report
U.S. Military Death Toll in Afghan War Reaches New Milestone
Since the beginning of the the Afghan War in 2001 up to the current day, there have been 2,000 U.S. servicemen and women who have lost their lives. That number includes both combat deaths as well as military suicides that occurred in Afghanistan. Ray Suarez looks at the factors that have contributed to those casualties.

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Aug. 17, 2012
Analysis
Number of U.S. Soldier Suicides Spike Even as Deployment Declines
There were two more "green on blue" attacks by Afghan troops on U.S. and coalition forces. And the U.S. military saw active-duty and veteran soldier suicides in July double since June. Jeffrey Brown talks to Time magazine's Mark Thompson about the situation in Afghanistan, and the increase in suicides.

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Aug. 17, 2012
Blog
Afghan Recruit Shoots 2 Americans; U.S. Soldier Suicides Up in July
On Friday's NewsHour, we take a look at the so-called "green-on-blue" shootings in Afghanistan -- attacks involving men in Afghan police or army uniforms firing on international troops -- and an uptick in U.S. soldier suicides in July.

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JULY
July 31, 2012
Blog
Some Filipino Vets Still Awaiting Recognition
World War II ended almost 70 years ago but some Filipino veterans are still waiting for recognition of their services. "We are just asking for fair treatment," Celestino Almeda said. Almeda is one of approximately 4,000 applicants for compensation who were not granted veteran status and are contesting that decision.


July 4, 2012
Report
News Wrap: Five Soldiers Wounded in Afghan Attack at NATO Base
In other news Wednesday, NATO officials reported that a man wearing an Afghan army uniform opened fire outside a base in the country's eastern Wardak Province, wounding five U.S. service members. Also, in Mali, some of the country's most prized artifacts and relics were in the process of being destroyed by Muslim extremists.

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July 3, 2012
Analysis
Pakistan: Ally, Adversary or Conditional Partner?
Pakistan has agreed to open key supply routes to Afghanistan after a US apology, but questions linger over the nature of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. Jeff Brown interviews retired Army Gen. Jack Keane and Vali Nasr, dean of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

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July 3, 2012
Analysis
Pakistan Reopens Supply Route After U.S. Apology
Pakistan re-opened a key truck supply route for U.S. forces into Afghanistan. This comes after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton apologized Tuesday for the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers.

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JUNE
June 26, 2012
Blog
In 'Little America,' Assessing the U.S. Presence in Afghanistan
In 2008, then-candidate Barack Obama promised to make Afghanistan a top priority, and as president, boosted troop numbers and civilian aid. How effective were those efforts, which cost billions of dollars every month? A new book, "Little America: The War within the War for Afghanistan," delves into all of this.

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June 11, 2012
Blog
Tuskegee Airmen Continue to Share Bonds of Brotherhood
Floyd Collins and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen are considered pioneers of desegregation for their role as the first black fighter pilots, and their experiences during WWII training and combat keep their brotherhood alive.

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June 4, 2012
Blog
Panetta, Vietnam Exchange Soldiers' Writings More Than 40 Years Old
Unveiling pieces of history Monday, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Vietnam's Defense Minister General Thanh exchanged letters and a diary written by U.S. and Vietnamese soldiers killed in a war more than 40 years old, according to PBS.

MAY
May 29, 2012
Analysis
How Obama Maintains His Secret 'Kill List'
Drone strikes on militant targets in Yemen are on the rise, as are targeted killings of insurgents there and elsewhere. But who has the final say on the so-called kill list of terrorists slated to be killed or captured? Ray Suarez introduces an excerpt from a new "Frontline" then speaks with New York Times reporter Scott Shane.

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May 28, 2012
Conversation
'Hell and Back Again': What it Means to Lead Men in War, and Then Return Home
In the summer of 2009, Marines pushed hard against the Taliban, hoping to attain control of Helmand province in Afghanistan. Photojournalist Danfung Dennis filmed one Marine's combat experiences and difficult readjustment into home life. Dennis discusses his film "Hell and Back Again" with Jeffrey Brown.

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May 28, 2012
Report
From 'Boots to Suits,' Transitioning From Military Service to Civilian Life
Called Boots to Suits, a new University of Colorado, Denver mentoring program hopes to tackle a handful of stumbling blocks for veterans returning to civilian life, such as finishing college and entering the work force. Ray Suarez reports.

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May 28, 2012
Blog
Veteran Graduate of 'Boots to Suits' Program on Dealing With PTSD
When former Army infantryman Tyler Heath was deployed to Iraq, he battled militants and became inured to gruesome sights. Once returning home to Colorado, he had to recalibrate.


May 28, 2012
Blog
Military Working Dogs: What Happens After They Serve?
A staple to most militaries around the world, dogs hold important roles including sniffing out drugs and bombs, finding victims of natural disasters, and lifting the morale of injured troops. But what happens after they've served their time in the military?


May 28, 2012
Slide Show
Military Dogs Around the World
From Europe to Asia, dogs do their part to help the military serve and protect. View images of their many jobs in far-flung places.


May 28, 2012
Blog
The Daily Frame
A man visits the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Monday.


May 24, 2012
Blog
The Daily Frame
President Obama receives a painting of Air Force One during the U.S. Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs on Wednesday.


May 21, 2012
Analysis
After NATO Leaves, Will Afghan Forces Be Ready?
Judy Woodruff speaks with former Ambassador to the European Union James Dobbins and retired Col. David Lamm about NATO's exit plans coming out of this week's summit in Chicago and whether Afghan forces are ready to absorb security responsibilities once most foreign troops leave in 2014.

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May 21, 2012
Report
Obama Stresses Afghan Stability and Exit Plan at NATO Summit
At the NATO Summit Monday, President Obama emphasized the importance of a stable Afghanistan, and of phasing out most foreign forces by the 2014 deadline. Judy Woodruff reports.

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May 21, 2012
Blog
NATO Tensions: Inside and Outside
As world leaders struggle to work out details of an exit strategy from Afghanistan, police pushed back hundreds of protesters who were trying to reach the site of the NATO summit in Chicago this week.


May 21, 2012
Slide Show
NATO Summit Struggles
President Obama sought continued military and monetary support for the mission in Afghanistan at the NATO summit in Chicago in May 2012, as protesters sparred with police outside the site.


May 15, 2012
Blog
5 Things to Look for at Upcoming NATO and G8 Summits
When world leaders gather this weekend at the NATO and Group of Eight summits, they have two major items on the table -- wrapping up the Afghan war and handling Europe's financial crisis. So what are the signs that they will make any progress?


May 10, 2012
Blog
Key Psychiatric Doctor Rejects Name Change for PTSD
A leader in the psychiatric community has rejected the idea of changing the last word of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to "Injury." The move effectively blocks growing efforts by a small group of psychiatrists and military brass concerned about reducing patient stigma.


May 7, 2012
Report
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Makes First Court Appearance in 3 Years
Saturday's arraignment at Guantanamo Bay marked the first court appearance in more than three years for the self-professed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheik Mohammed, and his alleged conspirators. Margaret Warner reports.

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May 4, 2012
Update
Psychiatric Community Still Divided Over Idea of Changing PTSD's Name
With just a year to go before the American Psychiatric Association finalizes the revisions to its dictionary of mental health illness, efforts to rename post-traumatic stress disorder as an injury are ratcheting up.

APRIL
April 30, 2012
Report
Art of War: Veterans Shred Uniforms to Create 'Combat Paper' Artwork
In 2007, a returning Iraq war veteran, trying to make sense of his experience, cut up his uniform to make paper from its fibers. Five years later, the Combat Paper Project has found a home in New Jersey. Hoping to reconcile the good and the bad of lives spent at war, four veterans reflect on this therapeutic and artistic outlet.

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April 30, 2012
Analysis
A Year After Bin Laden's Death, How Strong Is al-Qaida?
A year ago, a U.S. strike successfully eliminated al-Qaida's leader, but Osama bin Laden's death was just one step in the decline of the most feared terror network in the world. Judy Woodruff, The Washington Post's David Ignatius and the New American Foundation's Brian Fishman assess the current state and influence of al-Qaida.

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April 30, 2012
Report
A Year After Bin Laden Death, U.S. Maintains Drone Campaign Against al-Qaida
Since a military strike killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden one year ago, the U.S. has maintained a relentless campaign using drone aircraft to target the group's militants in Pakistan and elsewhere. Judy Woodruff reports.

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April 30, 2012
Slide Show
Combat Paper: Veterans Repurpose Uniforms Into Art
The New Jersey-based Combat Paper Project helps veterans make sense of their experiences in a constructive, safe and artistic environment. Veterans create homemade paper from military uniforms and cover it with art and more.


April 30, 2012
Blog
Making Your Own 'Combat Paper': A Step-by-Step Tutorial
For U.S. military veterans who choose to hand over their uniform to the Combat Paper Project, turning the cut-up pieces of uniform into a sheet of paper is cathartic process.

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April 30, 2012
Blog
Combat Paper: Veterans Battle War's Demons With Paper-Making
At first blush, cutting up a military uniform might seem like an unsettling concept -- a potential act of disrespect. But veterans in New Jersey and around the U.S. are doing just that as part of the Combat Paper Project -- repurposing their uniforms into paper to use as canvasses to create therapeutic works of art.

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April 30, 2012
Blog
Veterans Changing the Arts: Share Your Story
If you've served in the military and your experience has influenced your art and creative expression, share your story.


April 18, 2012
Analysis
Troop Photos With Dead Afghans: How Embarrassing Episodes Affect U.S. Mission
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta condemned photos published Wednesday of soldiers posing with dead Afghan insurgents. Jeffrey Brown discusses how the latest in a series of U.S. humiliations might shape military efforts and U.S.-Afghan relations with The Washington Post's Craig Whitlock and retired Army Col. Bob Killebrew.

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April 18, 2012
Report
Photos of Troops With Dead Insurgents Add to U.S.-Afghan Tensions
Two photos published Wednesday in The Los Angeles Times -- showing U.S. soldiers posing with the severed legs of a suicide bomber and the hand of a dead insurgent -- drew severe condemnation from American officials including Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who said it violates U.S. rules and "core values." Jeffrey Brown reports.

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April 2, 2012
Update
Lawyer to Examine Bales' Medications at Time of Afghan Killings
The attorney for the U.S. soldier charged with killing 17 Afghan civilians on March 11 told the NewsHour he is interested in learning what medications his client, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, was taking at the time of the shootings.

MARCH
March 23, 2012
Analysis
As Bales Faces 17 Murder Charges, 'Prosecution Has its Challenges'
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales faces 17 murder charges in connection with the Afghan massacre. Jeffrey Brown, Eugene Fidell of the National Institute of Military Justice and Lt. Col. Gary Solis discuss the difficulties that the defense and prosecution will face in a military trial with a defendant who could face the death penalty.

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March 19, 2012
Analysis
Were Multiple Deployments a Factor in Afghan Killings?
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the suspect in the Afghan massacre, had served three tours in Iraq before his Afghanistan deployment. Jeffrey Brown, The Washington Posts's Carol Leonig, a retired army general and an army psychiatrist discuss Bales' failed promotion, former deployments and mental health screenings.

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March 19, 2012
Report
U.S. Soldier Accused of Afghan Massacre Begins Building Defense
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, suspected of murdering 16 Afghan civilians near Kandahar, had his first meeting with defense attorney, John Henry Browne on Monday. Jeffrey Brown reports.

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March 15, 2012
Blog
Afghan's President Karzai 'Pulled in Conflicting Directions'
A rocky few weeks for the United States in Afghanistan got even rockier Thursday with two simultaneous though presumably unrelated events.

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March 12, 2012
Blog
Shootings Renew Debate over U.S., NATO Presence in Afghanistan
On Sunday, an American Army staff sergeant allegedly left his base in southern Afghanistan, went into homes in a nearby village, and shot and killed at least 16 people including women and children. The soldier, now in U.S. custody, is under investigation. We've compiled some reaction and resources.


March 6, 2012
Report
A Life Under Fire: Combat Photographer Captures, Carries Wounds of War
Combat photographers have been documenting the terror, violence and boredom of war since the invention of photography. Tom Bearden profiles Air Force Sgt. Stacy Pearsall, who has documented the effects of war -- and has paid a heavy price.

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March 6, 2012
Report
Marines Get Crash Course in Afghan Culture in California Model Village
A model Afghan village situated in the California desert is helping some U.S. Marines gain a better understanding of cultural differences and adapt to challenges when they are deployed to Afghanistan. Carl Nasman, a graduate journalism student at the University of California, Berkeley, reports.

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FEBRUARY
Feb. 17, 2012
Analysis
Lt. Col. Daniel Davis: Commanders Sending False Impressions of Afghan War
Army Lt. Col. Daniel Davis recently criticized top military brass, including retired Gen. David Petraeus, saying they have misled Congress and the American people about progress in the war in Afghanistan. Margaret Warner speaks with Davis about his whistleblowing, why he went public and what his future may hold in the military.

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Feb. 2, 2012
Analysis
Could and Should U.S. End Combat Role in Afghanistan Early?
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney tried Thursday to downplay Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's remarks suggesting an early U.S. transition out of combat in Afghanistan. Judy Woodruff discusses a potential end to combat operations in 2013 with retired Army Gen. Jack Keane and Celeste Ward Gventer of the University of Texas.

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Feb. 2, 2012
Report
White House Downplays Panetta Remark Suggesting Early Afghan War Transition
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney on Thursday tried to clarify a remark by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta suggesting an early U.S. transition out of its combat mission in Afghanistan. Carney said the statement shouldn't be considered as an announcement about a decision. Judy Woodruff reports.

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JANUARY
Jan. 26, 2012
Analysis
Deputy Defense Secretary on Pentagon Cuts: 'We Have No Choice'
Working to cut nearly $490 billion over the next decade, the Pentagon announced Thursday plans to create a leaner military by reducing ground forces, buying fewer weapons and postponing production of other defense systems. Jeffrey Brown discusses the new budget plans with Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.

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Jan. 25, 2012
Analysis
Who Was Behind Kidnapping, Rescue in Somalia?
Members of U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 freed two kidnapped aid workers, including one American, early Wednesday -- whisking them away from their captors in Somalia. Jeffrey Brown discusses the kidnappers' motives and how the operation unfolded with NPR's Tom Bowman and the Atlantic Council's Peter Pham.

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Jan. 25, 2012
Report
U.S. Navy SEALs Free 2 Western Hostages From Somali Captors
Members of U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 staged a dramatic rescue early Wednesday, freeing two aid workers, including one American, held hostage by Somali captors. Jeffrey Brown reports on emerging accounts of another operation unfolded in secret -- SEALs parachuting into Somalia, surprising sleeping captors and killing nine kidnappers.

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Jan. 24, 2012
Analysis
Was Justice Served After Haditha Killings?
At his sentencing hearing Tuesday, Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, the remaining Marine charged in the 2005 Haditha killings, expressed sorrow for the victims, and said he hadn't meant for his men to kill innocent Iraqis. Margaret Warner discusses his plea deal with two retired Marines, Lt. Col. Gary Solis and Capt. Bing West.

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Jan. 24, 2012
Report
Plea Deal in Haditha Killings Opens New Wounds in Iraq
A military judge on Tuesday recommended 90 days of confinement and reduction in rank for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, the remaining Marine charged in a case that shook Iraq and the U.S. -- the gunning down of 24 civilians in Haditha in 2005. However, because of a pre-trial agreement, he will serve no time. Margaret Warner reports.

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Jan. 18, 2012
Blog
Are U.S., Iran Headed Toward War?
In the salons of foreign policy wonks in Washington and New York, a fast and furious debate is raging over whether the United States or its allies should launch a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.


Jan. 12, 2012
Analysis
How Will Marines Video Affect Relations Between U.S., Afghanistan, Taliban?
U.S. and Afghan officials denounced a video Thursday that appeared to show American troops urinating on enemy dead in Afghanistan. Judy Woodruff discusses the video's effects on potential peace talks with Andrew Exum of the Center for a New American Security and The Washington Post's David Ignatius.

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Jan. 12, 2012
Report
Taliban: Marines Video Shameful, Inhumane, but Won't Hamper Peace Efforts
The U.S. military faced a new firestorm of criticism Thursday after a video appeared on YouTube, purportedly showing four U.S. Marines urinating on three bodies of Taliban fighters. The video triggered condemnations and investigations. Judy Woodruff reports.

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Jan. 11, 2012
Analysis
What's Next for Gitmo, Detainees and U.S. Handling of Terror Suspects?
A decade after the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, began accepting prisoners, the debate continues over how the U.S. treats terror suspects. Jeffrey Brown discusses the ongoing issue of military detention with Vincent Warren of the Center for Constitutional Rights and David Rivkin, an attorney with Baker Hostetler.

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Jan. 11, 2012
Report
Protesters Mark 10th Anniversary of Gitmo
Across from the White House on Wednesday, more than 200 protesters -- some wearing orange jumpsuits and black hoods -- marked 10 years since the first 20 prisoners arrived at the American prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Jeffrey Brown reports.

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Jan. 5, 2012
Analysis
Panetta on Pentagon Budget: 'Cutting Almost $500 Billion Is Not Chump Change'
In an interview Thursday after his news conference at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Jeffrey Brown that the United States seeks to be a power in the Pacific and that defense budget cuts announced Thursday will be hard on the military and families, but he hopes a smaller, more flexible armed forces will emerge.

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Jan. 5, 2012
Report
Weeks After Iraq Withdrawal, Obama Announces Plans to Shrink U.S. Military
While unveiling the Pentagon's latest defense strategy Thursday, President Obama highlighted a new focus on Asia and a scaled-back military. Ray Suarez reports on the strategy shift, announced just weeks after the last American troops left Iraq.

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Jan. 3, 2012
Blog
Panetta to Unveil Plan for Military Cuts
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to unveil his plan later this week for cutting hundreds of billions of dollars from the U.S. military budget in coming years. He will address this and other matters related to the Defense Department on the PBS NewsHour on Thursday, Jan. 5.


Jan. 2, 2012
Update
Health Experts Question Army Report on Psychological Training
Mental health experts say a U.S. Army report on training aimed at enhancing soldiers' psychological resilience is flawed.

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