Afghanistan war

Predatory Lenders Put U.S. Soldiers in the Crosshairs

Members of America's military face threats around the world every day, but it's a domestic threat that has the top brass on the offensive on the home front -- predatory lenders. Here's how the Department of Defense is fighting back.

Tea Party Leaders Say They'd Back Defense Cuts

The Tea Party says everything is on the table regarding its goal to cut federal spending and balance the budget -- including defense spending. If the political faction succeeds in cutting military spending, not only would the U.S. economy benefit, national security could well be strengthened.

Military Gets 'Don't Ask' Revived -- but For How Long?

The Ninth Circuit Appeals Court that put the decision ordering the military to stop enforcing "Don't Ask Don't Tell" on hold is a brief win for the government. But don't assume it means the policy will survive: The stay just means that the judges want time to think.

Why Judge Phillips Was Right to Strike 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips's order that the government stop enforcing the unconstitutional Don't Ask Don't Tell law has generated much chatter on both sides of the debate. But it's worth looking beyond the noise to the actual reasoning in her ruling.

Medal of Honor Hits Stores -- But Not on Military Bases

In Electronic Arts' new Medal of Honor game, players can take on the role of the Taliban or U.S. soldiers. But the prospect of having players shoot Americans doesn't go over too well with a lot of people, including the folks running base stores.

Could Congress Eliminate the Federal Budget Deficit?

The annual U.S. budget deficit is well over a trillion dollars, and in the long term, that's unsustainable. But a closer look at the sources of most of that gap shows that balancing the budget wouldn't be nearly as hard as it might at first appear.

A Reality Check on Afghanistan's Mining Potential

The international mining community has long known about the country's vast mineral resources. But most mining companies remain wary of starting big, long-term projects there. Among the problems: No peace, no stability and a fondness for bribery.

Afghanistan Harbors $1 Trillion in Minerals

The New York Times reports that "The United States has discovered nearly $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan, far beyond any previously known reserves and enough to fundamentally alter the Afghan economy and perhaps the Afghan war itself."

Blackwater: Soon to Be Assaulting a Mall Near You?

Even as Xe -- formerly know as Blackwater, the infamous private security firm that provided mercenaries for the U.S. war in Iraq -- puts itself up for sale, it's opening a new line of "Blackwater Pro Shops" offering all the gear your local paramilitary may need. What's behind their move into retail?