Jul 19 Pentagon has no plans to offer Israel new arms deal By Robert Burns, Associated Press In the face of Israeli outrage over the Iran nuclear accord, the Pentagon is moving quickly to reinforce arguably the strongest part of the U.S.-Israeli relationship: military cooperation. But officials say Washington has no plans to offer new weaponry as… Continue reading
Jun 21 Pentagon chief to boost military support for U.S. allies, Baltic nations By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press Heading to Europe, Defense Secretary Ash Carter is carrying a strong message of U.S. military support for American allies and Baltic nations to help calm growing concerns about Russian aggression. Continue reading
May 29 U.S. says China has two artillery vehicles on artificial island By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press SINGAPORE — Two large artillery vehicles were detected on one of the artificial islands that China is creating in the South China Sea, U.S. officials said Friday, underscoring ongoing concerns that Beijing may try to use the land reclamation projects… Continue reading
May 24 U.S. officials concerned about Iraq’s ‘will to fight’ after Ramadi By Ken Dilanian, Associated Press The Islamic State group's takeover of the Iraqi provincial capital Ramadi has prompted criticism from Defense Secretary Ash Carter and raised new questions about the Obama administration's strategy to defeat the extremist group. Continue reading
Apr 10 Carter chides China over approach to territorial disputes By Robert Burns, Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter gently chided China on Friday for its approach to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, suggesting Beijing has been isolated by its strong-arm tactics. Continue reading
Apr 06 Ash Carter says U.S. is opening new phase of Asia pivot By Robert Burns, Associated Press The Obama administration is opening a new phase of its strategic "rebalance" toward Asia and the Pacific by investing in high-end weapons such as a new long-range stealth bomber, refreshing its defense alliance with Japan and expanding trade partnerships, Defense… Continue reading
Mar 03 Pentagon calls Mosul briefing a mistake by CentCom By Robert Burns, Associated Press Top Pentagon officials say U.S. Central Command was wrong to have briefed reporters on plans for an Iraqi-led ground offensive in Mosul. Continue reading
Feb 22 US defense secretary calls Afghan army ‘powerful force’ By Robert Burns, Associated Press U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Sunday called Afghanistan's army "a powerful force in their own right" but declined to say whether he thinks the U.S. can scale back military training and advising this year as planned. Continue reading
Feb 21 US may slow military exit from Afghanistan By Robert Burns, Associated Press The United States is considering slowing its military exit from Afghanistan by keeping a larger-than-planned troop presence this year and next because the new Afghan government is proving to be a more reliable partner, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said… Continue reading
Feb 17 Ash Carter pledges ‘candid advice’ after taking oath of office By Nedra Pickler, Associated Press Ash Carter, sworn in Tuesday as President Barack Obama's fourth secretary of defense amid multiple global threats, pledged to offer his most candid strategic advice and carefully consider decisions about sending troops into harm's way. Continue reading