Register, it's free, and then peruse the first edition:

Assumptions: A Fatal Oversight - T. X. Hammes

The End of a Strategy-free Decision Making Environment? - John Mackinlay

Targeted Killings Work - A.E. Stahl and William F. Owen

Israel's Strategy (or Lack of) Towards Iran's Forward Rocket Deployments in Lebanon and Gaza - Ron Tira

Lynchpin: The U.S.-ROK Alliance after the Cheonan - Abraham M. Denmark and Zachary M. Hosford

Strategic Culture: A Look at Europe - Jonathan Dowdall

An excerpt from the "about" page:

Infinity Journal (IJ) is a peer-review electronic journalzine dedicated to the study and discussion of strategy. The intent of IJ is to assist in greater awareness, as well as a better understanding and education of what strategy is, to whom and how it is being applied, how and why it is created, how it works, or why it fails...

Again, check it out.

Afghanistan

U.S. Plan Offers Path to Ending Combat in Afghanistan - New York Times

U.S. and NATO Allies to Announce 'Transition' Strategy - Washington Post

Holbrooke: US Combat Troops to be Phased Out of Afghanistan by 2014 - VOA

Karzai: US Should Cut Back Afghan Military Operations - Voice of America

Karzai Wants U.S. to Reduce Military Operations - Washington Post

Karzai Wants U.S. To Cut Back Afghan Military Operations - Reuters

Petraeus Warns Afghans About Karzai's Criticism of Strategy - Washington Post

Petraeus: Karzai Comments Hurt War Effort - Reuters

Excerpts from Afghan President Hamid Karzai's Interview - Washington Post

U.S. Tries to End Flow of Bomb Item to Afghanistan - New York Times

Flawed Projects Prove Costly for Afghanistan, U.S. - McClatchy

Afghan Fraud Panel Rulings to Unseat Candidates - Associated Press

Wary of Taliban, Afghan Mujahedeen Ready for Fight - Associated Press

NATO Seeks Afghan Police in South - New York Times

7 NATO Troops Slain in Afghanistan - Los Angeles Times

NATO: 5 Service Members Killed in Afghanistan - Associated Press

Toll From Afghan Clash Rises to 5, Worst In 6 Months - Reuters

NATO: 2 More Service Members Die in Afghan Attack - Associated Press

Insurgent Attacks Ripple Across Afghanistan - Los Angeles Times

At Least 17 Killed in Attacks in Afghanistan - Voice of America

Bomb Kills 8 on Violent Day in Afghanistan - New York Times

Insurgents Attack NATO Base in Eastern Afghanistan - Associated Press

Taliban Mount Series Of Attacks In Afghanistan - Reuters

Bike Bomb Kills 8 In Afghan North, Official Says - Reuters

In Western Afghan City, Iran Makes Itself Felt - Los Angeles Times

Kidnapped Afghan Envoy Is Freed - New York Times

Abducted Afghan Diplomat Freed After Two Years - Reuters

In One Moment in Afghanistan, Heroism and Heartbreak - New York Times

Chinese Mine in Afghanistan Threatens Ancient Find - Associated Press

Pinning Down an Afghan Timetable - Los Angeles Times opinion

Obama's New Deadline - Washington Post opinion

Pakistan

On the Trail of Pakistani Terror Group's Mastermind - Washington Post

Volatile Mix Of Politics And Crime Plagues Karachi - Reuters

Officials: U.S. Drone Kills 5 Militants in Pakistan - Associated Press

Pakistani Security Forces Kill 6 Militants in Swat - Associated Press

Police: Blast Kills 2 in Northwest Pakistan - Associated Press

Musharraf Defends Handling of Khan - Washington Times

Iraq

Iraqi Parliament Holds Conciliatory Meeting - Voice of America

Iraqi Lawmakers Approve an Outline for Power Sharing - New York Times

Sunni-backed Bloc Returns to Iraqi Parliament - Washington Post

Iraq Lawmakers Approve Deal to Form New Government - Associated Press

Iraq's Allawi: Power-Sharing Deal "Is Dead" - Reuters

Commander in Iraq Assesses Foe and Friend - New York Times

Car Bombs Kill Prison Commander in North Iraq - Associated Press

Iran

Getting Iran to Agree to Talk About Nuclear Program Difficult - Washington Post

Iran's Nuke Plant to Feed Power Grid in December - Associated Press

Iran: Military Exercises Carried Out Near Nuclear Sites - Reuters

Iran to Hold Air Defense War Games - Associated Press

Iran Detains 5 Lawyers on Security Charges - Reuters

Al Qaeda

West Cannot Defeat al-Qaeda, Says U.K. Forces Chief - BBC News

Britain's Top Soldier Says al-Qaeda Cannot Be Beaten - Daily Telegraph

Gen. Richards Says al Qaeda Can be Contained, Not Defeated - Reuters

Mumbai Attack Lessons

An Intricate Plot Unleashed, West Confronts a New Threat - Washington Post

On the Trail of Pakistani Terror Group's Mastermind - Washington Post

Islam

Millions of Muslims on Annual Hajj Pilgrimage - Voice of America

More Than 2 Million Muslim Pilgrims Begin Haj - Reuters

Al Qaeda Denies Plot to Target Muslim Pilgrims - Reuters

Mecca Metro: Muslims Take New Train to Hajj Sites - Associated Press

Muslims on Hajj in Saudi Start Ascent of Holy Site - Associated Press

Saudi King Delegates Deputy PM to Oversee Hajj - Reuters

WikiLeaks

WikiLeaks Defectors To Create Rival Whistleblower Site - FOX News

WikiLeaks Picks Iceland Base - The Australian

WikiLeaks Sets Up Limited Company in Iceland - Forbes

WikiLeaks' Sangerous Disregard - Philadelphia Inquirer opinion

U.S. Department of Defense

Air Force: War-Toy Wishes - Newsweek

Darpa's 'Sim Tank' Could Reboot Pentagon's Arsenal - Wired

Ship Named for Fallen Marine Ready to Set Sail - Miami Herald

Hasan: Defense to Present No Evidence at Fort Hood Trial - CNN News

United States

'Fusion Centers' Gather Terrorism Intelligence, Much More - Los Angeles Times

9/11 Mastermind To Be Held Indefinitely - New York Daily News

Obama Selling Policies Abroad, Not Personal Story - Washington Post

Obama's Asian Trip Shows Limits on Global Stage - Associated Press

Obama to Tell Medvedev of Determination for Nuclear Treaty Ratification - VOA

Secret Papers Detail U.S. Aid for Ex-Nazis - New York Times

Don't Delay START - Washington Post opinion

World

Nations Sign Declaration to Take Stand on Corruption - Voice of America

Africa

Darfur Violence Alert as Sudan Referendum Nears - BBC News

South Sudanese Register For Independence Vote - Reuters

U.N.: North - South Tensions Threaten Sudan's Darfur - Reuters

Sudan Independence Vote Chief Slams Foreign Donors - Reuters

North Sudan 'Bombs South Border' - BBC News

South Sudan Monitors See Risk Of Fraud In Voter Lists - Reuters

Symbols For Unity, Separation Chosen in Sudan - Voice of America

Sudanese President to Perform Muslim Pilgrimage - Associated Press

British Couple Released by Somali Pirates - Voice of America

Somali Pirates Free British Couple - New York Times

Somali Pirates Free U.K. Couple Paul and Rachel Chandler - BBC News

After 388 Days, Somali Pirates Free British Couple - Associated Press

Nigerian Military Warns Of Action In Oil Delta - Reuters

Nigeria: Military Raids Militant Camp in Oil Delta - Associated Press

Nigeria: 1 Soldier Killed in Suspected Sect Attack - Associated Press

Kenya Navy Kills Three Suspected Somali Pirates - Reuters

Race Tightens In Guinea Presidential Run-Off - Reuters

Guinea Candidate Says He Will Not Accept Results - Associated Press

U.S. Funds Circumcision to Fight AIDS in Zimbabwe - Associated Press

Americas and Caribbean

New Congress in Troubled Mexican State Sworn In - Associated Press

Mexico: Gunmen Kill 5, Wound 9 in Ciudad Juarez Bar - Associated Press

Bolivia Walks Thin Line in Coca Production Battle - Washington Post

U.N.-Backed Investigators Shake Up Guatemala - Associated Press

Chavez Backers March Through Venezuela's Capital - Associated Press

A Dispute in Nicaragua Reopens Old Wounds - New York Times

Troop Pull-out Urged in Nicaragua-Costa Rica Border Row - BBC News

Costa Rica Calls OAS Border Resolution 'Victory' - Associated Press

Can Microlending Save Haiti? - New York Times

Haiti's Cholera Death Toll Passes 900 - Voice of America

Cholera Deaths Up in Haiti, With Worst to Come - New York Times

Haiti Cholera Toll Tops 900, Six Provinces Affected - Reuters

Cholera Continues to Worsen in Haiti - Los Angeles Times

New U.N. Plea for Haiti Cholera Aid - BBC News

A School Fights for Life in Battered Haiti - New York Times

Cuban Political Prisoner Who Refused Exile Is Freed - Reuters

Cuba Frees the First of 13 Political Prisoners - Associated Press

Cuba to Free Two More Political Prisoners - Reuters

Asia Pacific

Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi Release Sparks Celebration, Caution - VOA

Burmese Dissident Tells Crowd Not to Give Up Hope - New York Times

Aung San Suu Kyi Speaks to Joyous Crowds in Burma - Los Angeles Times

Suu Kyi Calls for Talks With Ruler - Wall Street Journal

Suu Kyi Suspects Rigged Voting, but Offers to Talk to Junta - Washington Times

Burmese Dissident Is Freed After Long Detention - New York Times

Burma Democracy Activist Suu Kyi is Free - Los Angeles Times

Burmese Dissident Suu Kyi Freed After Long Detention - Associated Press

Burma's Suu Kyi Begins Long-Awaited Freedom - Reuters

Aung San Suu Kyi 'Ready to Talk' - BBC News

Rangoon Diary: Burmese Reunite with Beloved Democracy Leader - VOA

Aung San Suu Kyi Seeks Reconciliation With Military Rulers - VOA

Burmese Dissident Tells Crowd Not to Give Up Hope - New York Times

Suu Kyi: 'Do Not Give Up Hope' - BBC News

The Lady Could Not Be Broken - Los Angeles Times

Activists, Asia Pacific Governments Welcome Aung San Suu Kyi's Release - VOA

Obama: Suu Kyi Source of Inspiration - Voice of America

North Korea Defections on Rise, South Says - New York Times

Number of N. Korean Defectors to S. Korea Tops 20,000 - Associated Press

Diplomatic Talks Overshadow Trade Discussions at APEC Summit - VOA

Asia-Pacific Leaders to Seek Freer Trade - New York Times

Leaders of China and Japan Meet on Summit's Sidelines - New York Times

Japan Tries to Repair Ties with China, Russia - Washington Post

Japan And China Leaders Aim to Cool Tensions - Reuters

Japan Protests Medvedev Visit to Disputed Island - Associated Press

Obama Wants Stronger U.N. Role for Japan - Stars and Stripes

Chinese Missiles Can Ravage U.S. Bases - Washington Times

Insecurities Beneath China's Prosperous Exterior - Washington Post opinion

Hedged Bets on China - Washington Post opinion

Europe

Obama Tells Medvedev He'll Make Nuclear Treaty a Priority - Los Angeles Times

Obama Turns to Russian Diplomacy as Asia Trip Ends - Associated Press

Attack on Russian Journalist Stirs Online Allies - New York Times

Hundreds Rally in Moscow to Protest Attacks - Associated Press

Chief U.N. Prosecutor Assessing Serbia Cooperation - Associated Press

Italian Leader Plans to Call Confidence Vote - New York Times

Italy's Berlusconi Seeks Confidence Vote - Associated Press

French Cabinet Quits to Prepare For Reshuffling - New York Times

French Prime Minister Reappointed - New York Times

French Prime Minister Reappointed - Associated Press

Sarkozy Reshuffles French Cabinet With Old Faces - Associated Press

French Charge 4 Suspected in Terror Training - Associated Press

German Protests Pressure Merkel Before Party Meet - Reuters

Greek PM: Will Press on With Reforms After Polls Win - Reuters

Greeks Vote Under Threat Of More Austerity - Reuters

Socialists Win 2 Largest Cities in Greek Poll - Associated Press

Gerry Adams to Run for Seat in Ireland - New York Times

Sinn Fein Leader to Seek Seat in Irish Parliament - Associated Press

Middle East

A 90-Day Bet on Mideast Talks - New York Times

Netanyahu Backs U.S. Proposal for Freeze - Wall Street Journal

Israel Mulls Incentives to Extend Freeze - Washington Post

Obama Calls Latest Israeli Plan Promising - Associated Press

Israeli Cabinet Considers Extension of Settlement Moratorium - VOA

Netanyahu Agrees to Push for Freeze in Settlements - New York Times

Israeli Government Seen Accepting New Settlement Freeze - Reuters

Israel's Netanyahu Unveils U.S. Plan For New Talks - Reuters

U.S. Offers Israel Settlement Plan - BBC News

Diplomat: U.S. Deal to Allow Some West Bank Building - Associated Press

Diplomats: U.S. Offered Israel Incentives for Freeze - Associated Press

Israel to Decide on US-Proposed Settlement Freeze - Associated Press

Plan for Mideast Talks Bets on Quick Border Deal - Associated Press

Israeli Official: Hamas Rockets Can Reach Tel Aviv - Associated Press

Israeli Official: Lax Egypt Border Lets Hamas Rearm - Reuters

8,000 Ethiopians Will Emigrate to Israel - Voice of America

Israel Welcomes Last Ethiopians of Jewish Descent - Associated Press

Greece Lets Gaza Activists Disembark From Ship - Reuters

Impending Indictments Could Shake Lebanon - Washington Post

Muslim Cleric Omar Bakri Muhammad Arrested in Lebanon - BBC News

Radical Muslim Cleric Arrested in Lebanon - Associated Press

Lebanon Arrests Preacher Who Praised 9 / 11 Hijackers - Reuters

Saudi Court Rejects Death Sentence for TV Psychic - Associated Press

Germany Lifts Yemen Passenger Flight Ban - Associated Press

South Asia

Fresh Clashes Erupt in Bangladesh - BBC News

Violence Mars Daylong Nationwide Strike in Bangladesh - Voice of America

Police Charge Opposition Activists in Bangladesh - Associated Press

Violence In Bangladesh as Ex-PM Evicted From Home - Reuters

Bangladesh Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters - Reuters

Nepal's Political Stalemate Drags On - Los Angeles Times

U.S. and NATO Allies to Announce 'Transition' Strategy - Washington Post

Karzai Wants U.S. to Reduce Military Operations - Washington Post

Karzai Wants U.S. To Cut Back Afghan Military Operations - Reuters

Excerpts from Afghan President Hamid Karzai's Interview - Washington Post

Wary of Taliban, Afghan Mujahedeen Ready for Fight - Associated Press

NATO Seeks Afghan Police in South - New York Times

Insurgent Attacks Ripple Across Afghanistan - Los Angeles Times

At Least 17 Killed in Attacks in Afghanistan - Voice of America

Bomb Kills 8 on Violent Day in Afghanistan - New York Times

Insurgents Attack NATO Base in Eastern Afghanistan - Associated Press

Taliban Mount Series Of Attacks In Afghanistan - Reuters

Bike Bomb Kills 8 In Afghan North, Official Says - Reuters

In Western Afghan City, Iran Makes Itself Felt - Los Angeles Times

Abducted Afghan Diplomat Freed After Two Years - Reuters

In One Moment in Afghanistan, Heroism and Heartbreak - New York Times

Pinning Down an Afghan Timetable - Los Angeles Times opinion

Pakistan

On the Trail of Pakistani Terror Group's Mastermind - Washington Post

Officials: U.S. Drone Kills 5 Militants in Pakistan - Associated Press

Pakistani Security Forces Kill 6 Militants in Swat - Associated Press

Iraq

Iraqi Parliament Holds Conciliatory Meeting - Voice of America

Iraqi Lawmakers Approve an Outline for Power Sharing - New York Times

Sunni-backed Bloc Returns to Iraqi Parliament - Washington Post

Iraq Lawmakers Approve Deal to Form New Government - Associated Press

Iraq's Allawi: Power-Sharing Deal "Is Dead" - Reuters

Commander in Iraq Assesses Foe and Friend - New York Times

Iran

Getting Iran to Agree to Talk About Nuclear Program Difficult - Washington Post

Iran's Nuke Plant to Feed Power Grid in December - Associated Press

Al Qaeda

West Cannot Defeat al-Qaeda, Says U.K. Forces Chief - BBC News

Britain's Top Soldier Says al-Qaeda Cannot Be Beaten - Daily Telegraph

Gen. Richards Says al Qaeda Can be Contained, Not Defeated - Reuters

Islam

More Than 2 Million Muslim Pilgrims Begin Haj - Reuters

Al Qaeda Denies Plot to Target Muslim Pilgrims - Reuters

WikiLeaks

WikiLeaks Sets Up Limited Company in Iceland - Forbes

U.S. Department of Defense

Darpa's 'Sim Tank' Could Reboot Pentagon's Arsenal - Wired

United States

Obama Selling Policies Abroad, Not Personal Story - Washington Post

Obama to Tell Medvedev of Determination for Nuclear Treaty Ratification - VOA

Secret Papers Detail U.S. Aid for Ex-Nazis - New York Times

World

Nations Sign Declaration to Take Stand on Corruption - Voice of America

Africa

Symbols For Unity, Separation Chosen in Sudan - Voice of America

North Sudan 'Bombs South Border' - BBC News

South Sudan Monitors See Risk Of Fraud In Voter Lists - Reuters

Sudanese President to Perform Muslim Pilgrimage - Associated Press

Somali Pirates Free British Couple - New York Times

Somali Pirates Free U.K. Couple Paul and Rachel Chandler - BBC News

British Couple Freed by Somali Pirates After 1 Yr - Associated Press

Nigerian Military Warns Of Action In Oil Delta - Reuters

Kenya Navy Kills Three Suspected Somali Pirates - Reuters

Race Tightens In Guinea Presidential Run-Off - Reuters

Americas and Caribbean

New Congress in Troubled Mexican State Sworn In - Associated Press

Bolivia Walks Thin Line in Coca Production Battle - Washington Post

U.N.-Backed Investigators Shake Up Guatemala - Associated Press

Chavez Backers March Through Venezuela's Capital - Associated Press

A Dispute in Nicaragua Reopens Old Wounds - New York Times

Troop Pull-out Urged in Nicaragua-Costa Rica Border Row - BBC News

Costa Rica Calls OAS Border Resolution 'Victory' - Associated Press

Can Microlending Save Haiti? - New York Times

Cholera Continues to Worsen in Haiti - Los Angeles Times

New U.N. Plea for Haiti Cholera Aid - BBC News

Cuba Frees the First of 13 Political Prisoners - Associated Press

Cuba to Free Two More Political Prisoners - Reuters

Asia Pacific

Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi Release Sparks Celebration, Caution - VOA

Burmese Dissident Is Freed After Long Detention - New York Times

Burma Democracy Activist Suu Kyi is Free - Los Angeles Times

Burmese Dissident Suu Kyi Freed After Long Detention - Associated Press

Burma's Suu Kyi Begins Long-Awaited Freedom - Reuters

Rangoon Diary: Burmese Reunite with Beloved Democracy Leader - VOA

Burmese Dissident Tells Crowd Not to Give Up Hope - New York Times

Suu Kyi: 'Do Not Give Up Hope' - BBC News

The Lady Could Not Be Broken - Los Angeles Times

Activists, Asia Pacific Governments Welcome Aung San Suu Kyi's Release - VOA

Obama: Suu Kyi Source of Inspiration - Voice of America

Diplomatic Talks Overshadow Trade Discussions at APEC Summit - VOA

Asia-Pacific Leaders to Seek Freer Trade - New York Times

Leaders of China and Japan Meet on Summit's Sidelines - New York Times

Japan Tries to Repair Ties with China, Russia - Washington Post

Japan And China Leaders Aim to Cool Tensions - Reuters

Japan Protests Medvedev Visit to Disputed Island - Associated Press

Obama Wants Stronger U.N. Role for Japan - Stars and Stripes

Insecurities Beneath China's Prosperous Exterior - Washington Post opinion

Europe

Obama Tells Medvedev He'll Make Nuclear Treaty a Priority - Los Angeles Times

Obama Turns to Russian Diplomacy as Asia Trip Ends - Associated Press

Attack on Russian Journalist Stirs Online Allies - New York Times

Italian Leader Plans to Call Confidence Vote - New York Times

Italy's Berlusconi Seeks Confidence Vote - Associated Press

French Cabinet Quits to Prepare For Reshuffling - New York Times

French Prime Minister Reappointed - Associated Press

French Charge 4 Suspected in Terror Training - Associated Press

German Protests Pressure Merkel Before Party Meet - Reuters

Greeks Vote Under Threat Of More Austerity - Reuters

Middle East

Netanyahu Agrees to Push for Freeze in Settlements - New York Times

Israel's Netanyahu Unveils U.S. Plan For New Talks - Reuters

U.S. Offers Israel Settlement Plan - BBC News

Diplomats: U.S. Offered Israel Incentives for Freeze - Associated Press

Germany Lifts Yemen Passenger Flight Ban - Associated Press

Saudi King Delegates Deputy PM to Oversee Hajj - Reuters

Saudi Court Rejects Death Sentence for TV Psychic - Associated Press

South Asia

Nepal's Political Stalemate Drags On - Los Angeles Times

Police Charge Opposition Activists in Bangladesh - Associated Press

Violence In Bangladesh as Ex-PM Evicted From Home - Reuters

Bangladesh Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters - Reuters

Via Amazon: From the earliest days of his thirty-four-year military career, Victor "Brute" Krulak displayed a remarkable facility for applying creative ways of fighting to the Marine Corps. He went on daring spy missions, was badly wounded, pioneered the use of amphibious vehicles, and masterminded the invasion of Okinawa. In Korea, he was a combat hero and invented the use of helicopters in warfare. In Vietnam, he developed a holistic strategy in stark contrast to the Army's "Search and Destroy" methods-but when he stood up to LBJ to protest, he was punished. And yet it can be argued that all of his these accomplishments pale in comparison to what he did after World War II and again after Korea: Krulak almost single-handedly stopped the U.S. government from abolishing the Marine Corps.

The report's recommendations include:

Pakistan

* "To further enhance Pakistan's stability, the United States should maintain current levels of economic and technical assistance to help military and civilian leaders reconstruct and establish control over areas hard-hit by the flood, including those contested by militant forces." The Task Force recommends "continued and expanded training, equipment, and facilities for police, paramilitaries, and the army."

* "To reinforce U.S.-Pakistan ties and contribute to Pakistan's economic stability in the aftermath of an overwhelming natural disaster, the Obama administration should prioritize—and the Congress should enact—an agreement that would grant preferential market access to Pakistani textiles."

* "As it cultivates a closer partnership with Islamabad...the United States still needs to seek a shift in Pakistani strategic calculations about the use of militancy as a foreign policy tool. Washington should continue to make clear to Islamabad that at a basic level, U.S. partnership and assistance depend upon action against LeT [Lashkar-e-Taiba], the Afghan Taliban, especially the Haqqani network, and related international terror groups."

Afghanistan

* "In Afghanistan, core American security aims can best be achieved at a lower cost if the United States manages to shift a greater burden to Afghan partners," explains the Task Force. "The United States should encourage an initiative with three complementary elements: political reform, national reconciliation, and regional diplomacy."

* "Political reforms should aim to grant a greater voice to a broader range of Afghan interests," states the Task Force. "Rather than leaving the reconciliation process to [Afghan] President Karzai and his narrow support base, Washington should participate fully in guiding a broad-based, inclusive process, bearing in mind that a rapid breakthrough at the negotiating table is unlikely. Afghan reform and reconciliation should then be supported by a regional diplomatic accord brokered by the United States."

* "To foster Afghanistan's viability as a security partner, the United States must continue to build cost-effective Afghan security forces appropriate to the capabilities necessary to protect the population. This will require more army and police trainers, as well as an expansion of community-based stabilization forces."

* "Afghanistan needs a self-sustaining foundation for generating jobs and revenue that will reduce dependence on international assistance. To meet this need, the United States should encourage private sector investment in Afghanistan's considerable mineral and energy resources, its agricultural sector, and in the infrastructure needed to expand trans-Afghan trade."

U.S. Strategy for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

U.S. Panel: Look at Smaller Afghan Mission - Agence France-Presse

General Claims Progress in Helmand, Critics Say It's Fleeting - Stars and Stripes

Gates Upbeat on Legacy in Afghanistan - United Press International

Canada PM Says No Vote Needed to Extend Afghan Mission - BBC News

Taliban Raid on Afghan NATO Base - BBC News

Militants Assault NATO Base in Eastern Afghanistan - Associated Press

Militants Try to Assault Eastern Afghan Airport - Associated Press

Taliban Attack Airport, Base In East Afghanistan - Reuters

Airstrike in Helmand Kills 7 Insurgents - AFPS

Marines Learn Lessons From Tragedy in Afghanistan - Associated Press

Afghan Officials: Kabul Attack Kills 1, Wounds 2 - Associated Press

Convoy Attacked In Afghan Capital - Reuters

Killing and Dying - New York Times editorial

Pakistan

Pakistan Slow to Rebuild Swat Valley a Year After Offensive - New York Times

The State of Schools in Swat - New York Times

Taliban, Military Attacks In Deadly Lockstep - Reuters

Iraq

Four Lessons from Iraq's New Government - Time

Iraq's Parliament Speaker Tested by Own Alliance - New York Times

Agreement Leaves Some Iraqis Bitter - Washington Post

President Obama Welcomes New Iraqi Government - Voice of America

Obama Lauds 'Inclusive' Iraq Govt Amid Frictions - Associated Press

As Iraqis Forged Agreement, U.S. Remained Influential - Washington Post

Analysis: Iraq's Sunnis Have a Weak Hand in Talks - Associated Press

Stability Wins in Iraq - Washington Post editorial

Iraqis Injured in Church Attack Airlifted to Rome - Associated Press

Iran

Iran Readies Missile Defense System? - United Press International

E.U.-Iran Nuclear Meeting Set for Dec. 5 - Associated Press

Iran Arms-smuggling Case Roils Nigeria - Associated Press

Nigeria to Quiz Iranian Over Arms - BBC News

Nigeria Will Report Iran if Arms Broke U.N. Sanctions - Reuters

U.S. Department of Defense

The Changing Face of Aerial Reconnaissance - Los Angeles Times

Pentagon Readies New Ship-Killers for Pacific Showdown - Wired

Navy to Name Ship after MOH Recipient Dunham - Stars and Stripes

Destroyer Commissioning Honors Marine Hero - AFPS

Suicide Rates Soar Among U.S. Veterans - Agence France-Presse

Ban on Gays in the Military Stays in Effect - New York Times

Court Declines to End 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - Washington Post

High Court Allows Gay Military Ban for Now - Associated Press

Gates Seeks to Identify Sources of Leak about DATD - Washington Post

United States

Summit Shows U.S. Can Still Set Agenda, if Not Get Action - New York Times

Plans Fade for U.S. Trial of Alleged 9/11 Architect - Washington Post

Mullen Makes Military's Case for START Ratification - AFPS

$4 Billion More for Nuke Complex in Bid to Pass START - Washington Post

Airport 'Pat-Downs' Backlash - Washington Post

Bush's Waterboarding Admissions Damage International Law Experts Say - VOA

Canada

Defying Trend, Canada Lures More Migrants - New York Times

Australia

Obama Heralds U.S.-Australia Ties - Associated Press

United Nations

Support Grows At U.N. For Death Penalty Halt, U.S. Opposed - Reuters

Africa

U.N. Receives Darfur Weapons Report - BBC News

U.N. Council Gets Sudan Report That Infuriated China - Reuters

Scared Sudanese Flee to the South - BBC News

U.S. Team Tours Africa to Boost Bioterror Safety - Associated Press

Iran Arms-smuggling Case Roils Nigeria - Associated Press

Nigeria to Quiz Iranian Over Arms - BBC News

Nigeria Will Report Iran if Arms Broke U.N. Sanctions - Reuters

Guinea Presidential Candidates Call for Calm as Voters Await Results - VOA

Court Calls for Calm in Guinea Before Vote Results - Associated Press

Tight Race In Guinea Run-Off as Full Results Delayed - Reuters

U.N. Mission Approves Ivory Coast Election Results - Reuters

Rwandan Opposition Leader's Trial Due In 30 Days - Reuters

China: Somai Pirates Hijack Ship With 29 in Arabian Sea - Associated Press

Americas and Caribbean

Gunmen Drive Residents Out Of Mexican Border Town - Reuters

Gunmen in Mexico's Drug War Getting Younger - Associated Press

Mexico Hunting 12-Year-Old Drug Gang Hitman - Reuters

Race for Haiti President Being Run in U.S. - New York Times

U.N. Appeals for $164M to Combat Haiti Cholera - Associated Press

Some 200,000 At Risk Of Cholera In Haiti, U.N. Says - Reuters

Asia Pacific

Obama Ends G-20 Summit With Criticism of China - New York Times

G-20 Refuses to Back U.S. Push on China's Currency - Associated Press

Obama's Glow Dims on Trip to Asia - New York Times

Obama Arrives for APEC Summit - Voice of America

World Leaders Arrive for APEC Summit - Voice of America

In Japan, Obama Says U.S. Aims to Boost Exports - Los Angeles Times

Will Japan Be An Upbeat End to Obama's Asia Trip? - Reuters

Obama Backs Japan for U.N. Security Council - Associated Press

Amid Island Rows, Japan, US Affirm Security Ties - Associated Press

Japan Protesters Rally During China's Hu Visit - Reuters

Chinese Leader Vows Open Trade, Stable Currency - Associated Press

Burma May Soon Release Democracy Advocate Aung San Suu Kyi - VOA

Crowds Hope for Release of Burma Leader - New York Times

Burma: For Aung San Suu Kyi, An Uncertain Future - Washington Post

Release of Burma Dissident Near - Associated Press

Rumors Swirl In Burma Over Suu Kyi Release - Reuters

Junta Silent as Burma Awaits Suu Kyi Release - Reuters

Q&A: Freeing Aung San Suu Kyi - Voice of America

Thousands of Burmese Refugees Return Home from Thailand - VOA

North Korea Is Building Light-Water Reactor - Reuters

Volcano Keeper Becomes a Lightning Rod in Indonesia - Voice of America

Europe

NATO To Offer Russia Access To U.S. Satellite Data - Fox News

Medvedev: Russia's Spies Must Learn From Betrayal - Reuters

Paris Rounds Up Terror Suspects - United Press International

Italy Senses Berlusconi Era Is Nearing End - New York Times

Italy: Berlusconi at Risk With No-Confidence Motion - Associated Press

White Powder, Threats Sent to French Mosque - Associated Press

Middle East

Israel Appears Defiant, Sensing Obama Weakness - Los Angeles Times

Saudis Support Stable Oil Price - Voice of America

Greek Commandos Board Gaza-bound Ship - CNN News

Militant Gets Life Sentence in Lebanon - New York Times

Lebanon Gives Absent Islamist Leader Life Sentence - Reuters

AP Exclusive: Egypt Worries About IAEA Probe - Associated Press

Politics Over Peace - New York Times editorial

South Asia

Police Charge Opposition Activists in Bangladesh - Associated Press

Violence In Bangladesh as Ex-PM Ordered From Home - Reuters

Here is the latest edition of my column at Foreign Policy:

Topics include:

1) Petraeus fights on a second front -- inside the Beltway

2) United States teaches Mexico counterinsurgency -- quietly

Petraeus fights on a second front -- inside the Beltway

The Taliban are not the only insurgents Gen. David Petraeus must battle. The U.S. commander in Afghanistan is fighting on a second front inside the Washington Beltway, battling anonymous policymakers who seem to be waging an insurgency against his preferred war strategy. The "key terrain" of this battle is the mind of President Barack Obama. The president's looming decisions on who will fill numerous key vacancies inside the Pentagon will play a major part in who wins the war over Afghanistan policy.

The latest exchange of fire occurred in late October when Petraeus declared that an operation to clear Taliban insurgents from key strongholds west of Kandahar was proceeding "more rapidly than was anticipated." A few days after his Kandahar briefing, anonymous Pentagon snipers fired back at Petraeus's rosy assessment, concluding that "[t]he insurgency seems to be maintaining its resilience" and that inside the White House there is "uncertainty and skepticism" over the general's account of the operation. For Petraeus, it is apparently easier to chase the Taliban from Kandahar province than it is to suppress resistance in Washington.

But Petraeus has been gaining ground as well. While in Australia, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that come next autumn, the Taliban may be in for a rude surprise when they find "American forces are still there, and still coming after them." Even more importantly, a story this week from McClatchy revealed that the Obama administration has a new message about its timeline for Afghanistan. The administration's new spin is that U.S. forces will be in Afghanistan through 2014, downplaying the previous emphasis on the July 2011 start time for withdrawals.

Although Petraeus should take comfort from this change in the White House message, the upcoming NATO summit in Portugal also likely played a role in the new spin. By emphasizing its troop commitment to Afghanistan through 2014, the U.S. delegation to the summit hopes to bolster its case for other NATO countries to re-up their participation in that same tour of duty.

After his long deliberation in 2009 over what to do about Afghanistan, Obama largely granted the Afghan Surge Faction (Gates, Petraeus, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen) what it wanted. But he also made clear his resistance to a long-term commitment: "I'm not doing long-term nation-building. I am not spending a trillion dollars."

Is he now abandoning that resistance? We don't know. But we will know much more in the months ahead, when Obama announces who will replace Gates and Mullen, along with his picks for the next Joint Chiefs of Staff vice-chairman and Army chief of staff.

"Personnel is policy," goes the Washington dictum. Obama found himself unable to reject the Afghanistan policy advice he received from Gates and Mullen, holdovers from George W. Bush's administration. In 2011 he will have his own choices for those billets. Who he picks for the Pentagon's top jobs will say a lot about how Obama intends to deal with Afghanistan during the remainder of his term -- and whether Petraeus or his critics will win the Battle of the Beltway.

United States teaches Mexico counterinsurgency -- quietly

In September, after agreeing with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Mexico faces an insurgency from its drug cartels, I wondered whether the U.S. government would be able to apply what it has recently learned about insurgencies to prevent the one in Mexico from getting further out of control. According to the Washington Post, the United States now has a quiet but expanding relationship with Mexico's military. U.S. soldiers are sharing their counterinsurgency experience with their Mexican counterparts. The Pentagon's security force assistance mission to Mexico might be its most delicate, and the one with the greatest payoff for success and the greatest consequences for failure.

With its local police forces thoroughly corrupted by drug money and its federal police either similarly suborned or stretched too thin, Mexico has resorted to using its military forces to attack the cartels. Mexico's marines have been especially effective, having killed several top drug-cartel leaders this year. Their latest success was the Nov. 5 killing of Antonio Ezequiel "Tony Tormenta" Cárdenas Guillén, a leader in the Gulf Cartel, along with three of his lieutenants. Two marines and a soldier died in the six-hour shootout in Matamoros, across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas. Analysts now expect violent clashes in several border towns between the Gulf Cartel and the Zetas group (established by defectors from Mexican special forces) for control of drug-traffic routes into the United States.

According to the Post, intelligence collection and analysis is a significant part of the training U.S. instructors provide to their Mexican military counterparts. During the counterinsurgency campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. military units, with the assistance of police advisors and network-mapping software, developed the ability to uncover insurgent cells and networks from data collected from patrols, radio intercepts, interrogations, informants, etc. The experience U.S. commanders and intelligence analysts obtained in these operations should transfer directly to the counter-cartel campaign waged by the Mexican military.

Adm. James Winnefeld Jr., commander of U.S. Northern Command, which includes Mexico in its area of operations, called the partnership against the cartels his "number one priority." But in response to historical Mexican sensitivities about U.S. interference, Winnefeld and his command have had very little to say about their military assistance relationship with Mexico. In September, U.S. Army Special Operations Command had assigned just 21 Special Forces soldiers (soldiers who specialize in foreign security force training) to Northern Command. Although U.S. and Mexican soldiers travel across the border for training, both sides are placing a high priority on low visibility.

Mexico's drug cartels have brought headless corpses, the signature of their internecine wars, to the United States. But the portion of the war inside Mexico is reserved for Mexico's Army and marines. The U.S. security force assistance mission to Mexico is small and quiet. With Mexico's cartels now operating across the United States, it may be the most consequential such mission in the Pentagon's portfolio. Both sides apparently believe that the quieter that mission remains the more effective it will be. But the growing brutality of the war may not cooperate with those plans.

The Battle of Wanat Study

What is it?

The Contemporary History on the battle of Wanat is a study written by the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. The study focuses on the July 13, 2008, battle in Afghanistan's Waigal Valley during which nine American Soldiers died and 27 were wounded defending their small outpost against a much larger force of insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons. CSI conducted an extensive study on the actions that took place at Wanat in order to provide a transparent look at ourselves as an Army, identify lessons learned, and implement those lessons learned across the force. Lessons learned greatly enhance the preparedness of our leaders and increase success during combat. The contemporary history on Wanat can be viewed here.

What has the Army done?

The Combat Studies Institute, a subordinate organization of the U.S. Army's Combined Arms Center - Leader Development and Education (CAC LD&E), has provided a comprehensive look at the battle and actions at every level, from the Soldiers on the ground up through the chain of command. This study looks at the event from a variety of different perspectives, to include official Army investigations, and interviews with Soldiers and leaders who were there. In addition, the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) has created two new publications after the events at Wanat that are aimed at capturing lessons in similar circumstances. Those publications are: Small-Unit Operations in Afghanistan Handbook No. 09-37, published in June of 2009; and Small-Unit Operations Leader's Reference No. 09-38, published in September of 2009.

What does the Army have planned?

In addition to the Contemporary History, CSI has also constructed a "virtual staff ride" of the battle of Wanat to facilitate learning for Intermediate Level Education (ILE) students and throughout the Army. Other elements of CAC are also involved in helping the Army learn from this battle. The Combined Arms Center - Training (CAC-T) will provide these lessons as part of their programs, products and services delivered Army-wide through the Battle Command Training Program (BCTP), at the Combat Training Centers, and through interactive training scenarios in its Virtual Battle Space 2 (VBS2) software. CAC will also facilitate open discussion on the topic through professional Army blogs and social media sites.

Why is this important to the Army?

We are a continuously learning organization, focused on building a balanced Army capable of prevailing against hybrid threats. CSI produces timely and relevant military research publications and contemporary operational history for the Army that feeds our learning process. We know from experience that institutional growth comes from looking at an event such as the battle of Wanat from all aspects. Historical studies are the mechanisms that help us do that.