Checkpoint Washington - Diplomacy, intelligence, and military affairs.

Posted at 02:59 PM ET, 07/29/2011

Bombmaking materials allegedly found in soldier’s motel correspond with al-Qaeda recipe

By Jason Ukman

Pfc. Naser Abdo is accused of plotting an attack near Fort Hood

By Jason Ukman | 02:59 PM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:28 PM ET, 07/29/2011

Judge: government’s treatment of alleged leaker Thomas Drake was ‘unconscionable’

By Ellen Nakashima

After close of case, prosecutors are lambasted for delays

By Ellen Nakashima | 01:28 PM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:46 PM ET, 07/29/2011

Former intelligence chief Dennis Blair: U.S. should suspend unilateral drone strikes in Pakistan

By Greg Miller

Current effort has undermined American standing abroad and badly damaged the U.S. relationship with Pakistan, he says

By Greg Miller | 12:46 PM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 07/29/2011

Activists, lawmakers renew push to end military’s ban on women in combat roles

By Alice Fordham

Caucus on Women in the Military calls for the removal of the policy, citing concerns about absence of females in upper echelons of force

By Alice Fordham | 09:00 AM ET, 07/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:01 PM ET, 07/28/2011

U.S. charges Iran with aiding al-Qaeda

By Joby Warrick

The alleged Iran-to-Pakistan network, as described in documents filed by the Treasury Department, would represent the most significant known link between the Iranian government and al-Qaeda

By Joby Warrick | 01:01 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Soldier Naser Abdo to be charged with possession of bombmaking materials near Fort Hood

By Jason Ukman

A U.S. soldier who was accused Thursday of planning to attack troops near Fort Hood, Tex., has told investigators that he was acting in support of Maj. Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist who has been charged in the killing of 13 people at the base in 2009, according to congressional and federal officials.

By Jason Ukman | 01:00 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 07/28/2011

‘Over-generalled’: Is the Air Force too top-heavy?

By Jason Ukman

Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) plans a hearing to examine whether the force has too many generals and other top brass

By Jason Ukman | 11:39 AM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Zawahiri asserts common cause with Syrians

By Joby Warrick

In a new video, the new leader of al-Qaeda says he wishes he could join Syrian anti-government protesters

By Joby Warrick | 06:35 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:19 PM ET, 07/27/2011

House subcommittee approves foreign-aid cuts

By Joby Warrick and Mary Beth Sheridan

Although prospects in the Senate are uncertain, relief groups decried the measure

By Joby Warrick and Mary Beth Sheridan | 06:19 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Lt. Gen. Caldwell cleared of allegations he ordered psy-ops team to influence lawmakers

By Jason Ukman

He was accused of inappropriately using members of a psychological operations team to influence visiting U.S. senators into providing more funding for the war in Afghanistan.

By Jason Ukman | 05:07 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:32 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Thousands of soldiers in Army awaiting word on possible discharge, Chiarelli says

By Walter Pincus

Vice chief of Army says 13,000 soldiers waiting to find out whether they will be returned to full duty or receive a discharge

By Walter Pincus | 04:32 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:52 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Filipino to plead guilty in bid to sell drone on eBay

By Peter Finn

Authorities say they found unmanned aerial vehicle up for bid

By Peter Finn | 02:52 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 07/27/2011

Gary Locke confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China

By William Wan

Outgoing commerce secretary replaces Jon Huntsman

By William Wan | 12:10 PM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:09 AM ET, 07/27/2011

House panel to vote on bill that would slash State Department funding, impose new restrictions

By Mary Beth Sheridan

Funding for USAID would also be severely cut

By Mary Beth Sheridan | 10:09 AM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:38 AM ET, 07/27/2011

Long-term costs of war, both human and financial

By Jason Ukman

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee is holding a hearing on the legacy of the Iraq, Afghan wars

By Jason Ukman | 09:38 AM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:54 AM ET, 07/27/2011

Clinton, in letter, blasts bill restricting foreign aid

By Mary Beth Sheridan

Secretary of State says provisions approved by House Foreign Affairs would be “debilitating” to U.S. efforts abroad

By Mary Beth Sheridan | 07:54 AM ET, 07/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:01 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Senators to Saudi king: Lift ban on women driving

By Jason Ukman

Clinton has also spoken in support of the effort, but has declined to call on king for repeal.

By Jason Ukman | 03:01 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 07/26/2011

Olsen: Congressman was not misled on detainees

By Peter Finn and Jason Ukman

Nominee to head NCTC refutes allegations by Rep. Frank Wolf

By Peter Finn and Jason Ukman | 12:20 PM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:23 AM ET, 07/26/2011

Former Blackwater firm moves to Washington area

By Jason Ukman

Xe Services will shift its headquarters from North Carolina to Arlington

By Jason Ukman | 11:23 AM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:27 AM ET, 07/26/2011

Rory Stewart: How the West stumbled into Afghanistan, and why it needs to end the war

By Jason Ukman

At TED event, British lawmaker Rory Stewart outlines what he sees as the trouble with U.S., allied intervention.

By Jason Ukman | 09:27 AM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:51 AM ET, 07/26/2011

Official: Restraint at Tahrir was no accident

By Mary Beth Sheridan

Aide to defense minister says officials had anticipated furor over Mubarak.

By Mary Beth Sheridan | 06:51 AM ET, 07/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:25 PM ET, 07/25/2011

GAO faults Pentagon cyber operations

By Ellen Nakashima

A report cites the response to a 2008 breach as an illustration of the need to devise a joint doctrine for cyber operations

By Ellen Nakashima | 06:25 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:36 PM ET, 07/25/2011

Drone boom: French buying UAVs from Israel

By Jason Ukman

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. will partner with Dassault Aviation SA

By Jason Ukman | 04:36 PM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 07/25/2011

New U.S. effort targets ‘transnational organized crime’ as threat to national security

By Jason Ukman

Executive order establishes new sanctions program against international network.

By Jason Ukman | 11:34 AM ET, 07/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 07/22/2011

Attack initial speculation centered on Kurdish group

By Jason Ukman, Peter Finn and Greg Miller

Ansar al-Islam founder, Mullah Krekar, was arrested in Oslo last week

By Jason Ukman, Peter Finn and Greg Miller | 02:48 PM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:34 PM ET, 07/22/2011

Judges keep accused Taliban fighter held at Guantanamo Bay

By Del Quentin Wilber

In a 28-page opinion written by Judge Merrick Garland, a unanimous three-judge panel upheld a lower court ruling that had rejected Al Alwi’s challenge to his confinement.

By Del Quentin Wilber | 01:34 PM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:17 AM ET, 07/22/2011

U.S. intelligence analysts speculated on China’s use of electromagnetic radiation on Taiwan

By Jason Ukman

Intelligence assessment was obtained by National Security Archive.

By Jason Ukman | 08:17 AM ET, 07/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:33 PM ET, 07/21/2011

Clinton promises decision on F-16 sales to Taiwan

By William Wan

Clinton will announce by Oct. 1 what jets, if any, the Obama administration will offer to Taiwan

By William Wan | 05:33 PM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:18 AM ET, 07/21/2011

Al-Qaeda cartoon: Why terrorists might not be coming for your kids

By Jason Ukman

Terrorism experts play down importance of animation from AQAP supporter

By Jason Ukman | 11:18 AM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:01 AM ET, 07/21/2011

Wars not only reason for rise in defense spending

By Jason Ukman

Analysis says Iraq, Afghanistan account for barely more than half of increase

By Jason Ukman | 08:01 AM ET, 07/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:32 PM ET, 07/20/2011

U.S. hacking of Taliban site deemed unlikely

By Ellen Nakashima

One former intelligence official thought the operation too “amateurish” to be the work of U.S. cyber or information operation specialists.

By Ellen Nakashima | 05:32 PM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 07/20/2011

At Kabul airport, exodus of U.S. aid goes on

By Jason Ukman

New report from inspector general says DHS, Afghan plan to block funds has faltered

By Jason Ukman | 09:00 AM ET, 07/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:25 PM ET, 07/19/2011

Head of Washington nonprofit accused of acting as illegal agent of Pakistani government

By Jason Ukman

Officials allege Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai funneled money from Islamabad for more than 20 years

By Jason Ukman | 02:25 PM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:56 AM ET, 07/19/2011

U.S. recognition of new Libyan government raises tough legal questions

By Jason Ukman

Former State Department legal adviser John Bellinger III says decision went further than that of some allies

By Jason Ukman | 08:56 AM ET, 07/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:20 AM ET, 07/18/2011

British army to shrink to smallest size in a century

By Jason Ukman

Downsizing comes as government faces fiscal pressure; Pentagon also identifying targets for cuts

By Jason Ukman | 11:20 AM ET, 07/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:43 AM ET, 07/18/2011

The Haqqani network: Al-Qaeda’s dangerous patron

By Jason Ukman

The Haqqani network has been key in spread of global jihad, a new study finds.

By Jason Ukman | 08:43 AM ET, 07/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:12 PM ET, 07/15/2011

Lawmakers seek to protect troops from foreclosure

By Jason Ukman

House panel concerned about violations of Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

By Jason Ukman | 01:12 PM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:26 AM ET, 07/15/2011

Al-Qaeda’s terrorist tool kit now includes training manuals from Pakistani spy agency

By Greg Miller

Report from Jamestown Foundation say group’s online training course based on official documents

By Greg Miller | 11:26 AM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:08 AM ET, 07/15/2011

How U.S. ties Iran to attacks on forces in Iraq

By Ed O’Keefe

Americans cite markings on rockets, biometric data of individuals

By Ed O’Keefe | 08:08 AM ET, 07/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:33 PM ET, 07/14/2011

24,000 Pentagon files stolen in major cyber breach, official says

By Jason Ukman and Ellen Nakashima

The Defense Department lost 24,000 files to “foreign intruders” in the spring in what appears to be one of the most damaging cyberattacks to date on the U.S. military.

By Jason Ukman and Ellen Nakashima | 02:33 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:01 PM ET, 07/14/2011

Classified document about U.S. detention criteria inadvertently given to ACLU

By Peter Finn and Julie Tate

Government seeks return of classified document listing criteria for determining whether detainees in Afghanistan are dangerous, court papers show

By Peter Finn and Julie Tate | 02:01 PM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:41 AM ET, 07/14/2011

Memory of Medal of Honor recipient could soon fade away at Walter Reed

By Jason Ukman

The family of Lawrence Joel, the first African American medic to receive the Medal of Honor. is told Walter Reed hospital will not rededicate space in his honor at a new facility

By Jason Ukman | 09:41 AM ET, 07/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:37 PM ET, 07/13/2011

CIA ran vaccine drive to obtain DNA of bin Laden relatives, U.S. officials acknowledge

By Jason Ukman and Greg Miller

The clandestine effort was aimed at obtaining DNA of Osama bin Laden’s relatives.

By Jason Ukman and Greg Miller | 03:37 PM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:35 PM ET, 07/13/2011

Liz Cheney group airs Afghan drawdown spot

By Jason Ukman

FactChecker.org finds her spot lacks context.

By Jason Ukman | 01:35 PM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:42 AM ET, 07/13/2011

With U.S. troops leaving Iraq, State Dept. bulks up

By Walter Pincus

With U.S. troops on the way out, officials require special tactical operations centers

By Walter Pincus | 08:42 AM ET, 07/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 PM ET, 07/12/2011

Arab world’s views of U.S., President Obama increasingly negative, new poll finds

By Jason Ukman

Negative attitudes toward American policy predominate in many Arab countries, a new poll finds.

By Jason Ukman | 11:00 PM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 07/12/2011

Leroy Petry, Army Ranger, awarded Medal of Honor

By Jason Ukman

Sergeant 1st Class is second living service member from the war in Afghanistan to be awarded the distinction.

By Jason Ukman | 02:55 PM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:44 AM ET, 07/12/2011

Clinton: Don’t slash foreign affairs budget

By Mary Beth Sheridan

State Department a likely target as lawmakers seek reductions in spending

By Mary Beth Sheridan | 11:44 AM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:29 AM ET, 07/12/2011

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry, live action hero

By Jason Ukman

Army sets up sophisticated “Battlescape” for Medal of Honor recipient

By Jason Ukman | 10:29 AM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:48 AM ET, 07/12/2011

Ahmed Wali Karzai: Reactions and background

By Jason Ukman

A roundup of reports related to the brother of the Afghan president

By Jason Ukman | 08:48 AM ET, 07/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 07/11/2011

CIA puts bin Laden hunter under “cover”

By Greg Miller

A U.S. official said that the decision was driven by new information about possible efforts by al-Qaeda to seek revenge for the U.S. raid that ended with the death of bin Laden at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan in May.

By Greg Miller | 06:09 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:01 PM ET, 07/11/2011

Anonymous claims it obtained military data in breach of Booz Allen systems

By Jason Ukman

E-mails, log-ins obtained, according to group known as Anonymous

By Jason Ukman | 04:01 PM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:33 AM ET, 07/11/2011

Panetta: Doing every ‘damn’ thing he can

By Craig Whitlock

New defense secretary peppers remarks with “damn,” “hell” and more

By Craig Whitlock | 09:33 AM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:11 AM ET, 07/11/2011

Obama and the ghost of ‘leading from behind’

By Jason Ukman

Line from New Yorker article now an outsized political liability for the president.

By Jason Ukman | 08:11 AM ET, 07/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:38 PM ET, 07/08/2011

U.S. ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, greeted in Hama with flowers and olive branches

By Jason Ukman

The U.S. ambassador to Syria on Friday got a boisterous welcome in the restive city of Hama. Damascus condemned the visit, citing it as proof of American interference

By Jason Ukman | 03:38 PM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:41 PM ET, 07/08/2011

Saudi women on the court, if not behind the wheel

By Jason Ukman

Basketball players’ visit is part of the State Department’s effort to promote “smart power.”

By Jason Ukman | 02:41 PM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 07/08/2011

On suicide condolence letters from the president, Army Capt. DJ Skelton is a dissenting voice

By Jason Ukman

Army Capt. DJ Skelton explains his concerns about President Obama’s decision on sending condolence letters who the families of troops who have committed suicide.

By Jason Ukman | 11:39 AM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:19 PM ET, 07/07/2011

Execution of Mexican national prompts concern about impact

By Jason Ukman

Diplomats say case undermines credibility of U.S. commitment to law

By Jason Ukman | 10:19 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:38 PM ET, 07/07/2011

House cuts funding on military bands for first time

By Walter Pincus

Congresswoman: the Pentagon “doesn’t need any more band aid.”

By Walter Pincus | 03:38 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:18 PM ET, 07/07/2011

William Lynn, no. 2 official at Pentagon, to resign

By Jason Ukman

William Lynn says he is stepping down for personal reasons

By Jason Ukman | 02:18 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 07/07/2011

Rights groups push U.S to apply pressure on Burma

By William Wan

Activists say Obama administration’s policy of engagement not working

By William Wan | 01:27 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 07/07/2011

U.S. returns artifacts, Hussein-era objects to Iraq

By Jason Ukman

Thousands of items were smuggled out of the country since war.

By Jason Ukman | 12:22 PM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:35 AM ET, 07/07/2011

How homegrown terrorists are made

By Jason Ukman

New study shows that radicals find established groups such as al-Qaeda themselves, not the other way around.

By Jason Ukman | 09:35 AM ET, 07/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:48 PM ET, 07/06/2011

Military bands may feel the pinch in budget battles

By Walter Pincus

Some in Congress resist proposed reductions in funding for fiscal 2012

By Walter Pincus | 03:48 PM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 07/06/2011

Rodriguez: ‘Indisputable’ progress in Afghanistan, with some caveats

By Jason Ukman

Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez cites gains by NATO forces, but also problems, as he prepares to leave his post.

By Jason Ukman | 12:20 PM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:55 AM ET, 07/06/2011

Mexican national set for execution in Texas, despite treaty concerns

By Jason Ukman

The Supreme Court has one day left to rule on the case, as the Obama administration seeks a stay out of concern for international obligations.

By Jason Ukman | 09:55 AM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:26 AM ET, 07/06/2011

New book blasts years-long detention by CIA of another terror suspect

By Jason Ukman

Interrogator recalls misgivings about case involving suspected al-Qaeda figure.

By Jason Ukman | 07:26 AM ET, 07/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:33 PM ET, 07/05/2011

Intelligence analyst Dullahan may learn why he was fired

By Jason Ukman

Outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates granted an appeal by John Dullahan, who had his security clearance pulled without explanation.

By Jason Ukman | 12:33 PM ET, 07/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 07/05/2011

Drone wars are a new chapter in a familiar tale

By Jason Ukman

Archival footage on CIA operations is a useful reminder of history of covert actions

By Jason Ukman | 09:46 AM ET, 07/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:50 PM ET, 07/01/2011

Matthew Olsen tapped as next head of NCTC

By Peter Finn

Current director of the National Counterterrorism Center plans to step down next week

By Peter Finn | 02:50 PM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 07/01/2011

Panetta, sworn in as defense secretary, pledges ‘no hollow force’ on his watch

By Jason Ukman and Greg Jaffe

On first day, new Pentagon chief Leon Panetta says the military must find savings, but can avoid undermining armed forces

By Jason Ukman and Greg Jaffe | 09:47 AM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:03 AM ET, 07/01/2011

Iran keeps snooping online; U.S. struggles to intervene

By Jason Ukman

Law that seeks to impose penalties on technology firms aiding Iran has proved ineffective.

By Jason Ukman | 08:03 AM ET, 07/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:41 PM ET, 06/30/2011

WikiLeaks video parodies MasterCard

By Jason Ukman

Group pokes fun at firm that stopped processing its donations

By Jason Ukman | 03:41 PM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:57 PM ET, 06/30/2011

Senate confirms Petraeus as CIA director

By Jason Ukman

General expected to take helm in September.

By Jason Ukman | 02:57 PM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:12 AM ET, 06/30/2011

Gates, on eve of retirement, is sent off in fashion

By Jason Ukman

President Obama presents outgoing defense secretary with Presidential Medal of Freedom

By Jason Ukman | 11:12 AM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:27 AM ET, 06/30/2011

Army bans use of ‘toe shoes,’ citing image concerns

By Jason Ukman

New policy says only shoes that “accommodate all five toes in one compartment” will be authorized .

By Jason Ukman | 08:27 AM ET, 06/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Checkpoint Washington: July, 2011