Wisdom of the Terrorist’s Son

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Sep 20, 2010 Whether Gen. David Petraeus or the bearded villains wearing suicide belts, killers perpetuate new cycles of revenge and murder like bad karma. One son of a terrorist is breaking the cycle. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

A New Season in Military Fashions

William Pfaff / Truthdig Sep 15, 2010 "Transformation" is the new military buzzword, meaning reorienting the military institution for "the complex insurgencies" that "planners say will dominate the 21st century." Robert Gates, the U.S. secretary of defense, was quoted as saying that Afghanistan provides the "laboratory" for this change. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Petraeus Claims Cautious Progress in Afghanistan

Staff / Truthdig Aug 24, 2010 Having assumed the position of the top commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen David Petraeus offers his guarded assessment of the status of the war in Afghanistan in this BBC interview, and he apparently believes (continued). Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

There’s Nothing Surgical About Cluster Bombs

William Pfaff / Truthdig Aug 18, 2010 The globalist militarism that remains the dominant force among the American policy class in Washington (Democrats prominently involved) now has its members talking to the press about its new use of "the scalpel" rather than "the hammer." Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Petraeus Fires Off First Set of Guidelines to Troops in Afghanistan

Staff / Truthdig Aug 3, 2010 Now that Gen Stanley McChrystal has departed the scene, Gen David Petraeus has assumed command of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, and in a tactical document released Sunday he revisited one of his predecessor's (continued). Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

New Afghanistan Strategy Targets Insurgents

Staff / Truthdig Aug 1, 2010 With the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal and (we hope) the waning of the notion of counterinsurgency, the U.S. is looking toward another Afghanistan strategy -- "counterterrorism" -- one that focuses on targeted killing of insurgents, rather than the whole "hearts and minds" thing. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

It’s Obama’s Empire Now

Stanley Kutler / Truthdig Jul 13, 2010 The Obama administration is thoroughly committed to defense of the empire it inherited; there is no or little retreat from the mindless expansion of American ambition. Teddy Roosevelt would be proud. The Obama administration is thoroughly committed to defense of the empire it inherited; there is no or little retreat from the mindless expansion of American ambition. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

‘Courageous Restraint’ Questioned

Staff / Truthdig Jul 12, 2010 "Courageous restraint," or stringent restrictions on engaging the enemy that were implemented to cut down civilian casualties in Afghanistan, is under fire by Britain's top general there after soldiers complained against the perceived inflexibility of the protocol. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Gen. McChrystal’s Last Champion

Staff / Truthdig Jul 9, 2010 It might have been better for Gen. Stanley McChrystal if Defense Secretary Robert Gates had piped up a little earlier but, nonetheless, Gates comes to McChrystal's, uh, defense in this interview with The Associated Press. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Rolling Stone’s Hastings Bags Book Deal

Staff / Truthdig Jul 6, 2010 Rolling Stone scribe Michael Hastings is still riding high from his big score about "Runaway General" Stanley McChrystal -- who has, it should again be noted, been obliged to evacuate the scene of the story since the piece was published -- and now . Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Petraeus Rule Changes Could Mean More Dead Civilians

Staff / Truthdig Jul 5, 2010 Gen. David Petraeus has hinted that he might rethink the rules of engagement now that he's in charge of the war in Afghanistan. The current rules, ushered in by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, were designed to reduce civilian casualties but have proved unpopular with the rank and file. Afghan civilians, who already avoid contact with U.S. military, are worried. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Taliban ‘Welcomes’ Petraeus With Attack on Aid Office

Staff / Truthdig Jul 2, 2010 Reportedly intended as a "welcome" for Gen. David Petraeus, the newly appointed U.S. and NATO military chief in Afghanistan, Taliban fighters attacked the office of an American aid contractor in the northern part of the country, killing at least five people. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )