Biden seems ready to extend US troop presence in Afghanistan
Removing all of the troops and their equipment in the next three weeks — along with coalition partners who can’t get out on their own — would be difficult logistically.
At pivotal moment in Afghanistan war, Biden weighs a dilemma
Afghanistan presents one of the new administration’s tougher and more urgent decisions.
Retired general Lloyd Austin wins Senate confirmation as first Black Pentagon chief
President Biden is expected to win approval for others on his national security team in coming days, including Antony Blinken as secretary of state.
US down to 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, as ordered by Trump
The president said Thursday that troop levels in Afghanistan had reached a 19-year low, although he did not mention a troop number.
Pentagon to cut troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan as allies warn of dangers
The plan will accelerate troop withdrawals in Trump’s final days in office, despite arguments from senior military officials in favor of a slower, more methodical pullout.
Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper
Esper clashed with the president over Trump’s steps to draw the military into partisan politics.
Trump: No name changes at Southern military bases that honor Confederate officers
Two days earlier, Defense Secretary Mark Esper indicated that he was open to a broad discussion of such changes.
Floyd death pushes military to face ‘own demons’ on race
Leaders acknowledge that black troops often are disproportionately subject to military legal punishment and are impeded in promotions.
Killing of Iran general risks U.S. gains against Islamic State
Two days after Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, the U.S. troops in Iraq to fight the Islamic State are now focused on their own defense.
House condemns withdrawal of troops in Syria as Trump says U.S. has no stake in fight with Turkey
The president appeared to make light of the desperate situation the Kurdish fighters face with the loss of U.S. military support.
Trump declares new Space Command key to American defense
But the Space Force, which has become a reliable applause line for Trump at his campaign rallies, has yet to win final approval by Congress.
Esper is sworn in as defense secretary to succeed Mattis
Mark Esper, an Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist, won Senate confirmation by a vote of 90-8 and was sworn in at the White House by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.