Iraqi Kurds in the country’s northeast are taking advantage of Baghdad’s battle with Sunni insurgents, in hopes of gaining their own state. Kurdish leaders are vowing to hold a vote on independence, a move denounced by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki…

By PBS NewsHour

A report released Monday revealed that the mysterious illness affecting veterans exposed to toxins during the 1991 Gulf War is real, making it easier for military personnel to seek federal aid. Research advisory committee chairman James Binns details the findings.

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.

Zbigniew Brzezinski, a former national security adviser and author, discusses the successes and failures of the last three presidents as laid out in his new book.