Threat

Panetta says Syria chemical threat has slowed

By By ROBERT BURNSAP National Security Writer KUWAIT CITY (AP) - The Syrian government seems to have slowed preparations for the possible use of chemical weapons against rebel targets, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Tuesday. Last week, U.S. officials said there was evidence that

Obama: US recognizes Syria's main rebel group

By By MATTHEW LEEAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama declared Syria's main opposition group the sole "legitimate representative" of its country's people Tuesday, deeming the move "a big step" in the international diplomatic efforts to end Syrian President Bashar

House Dems, GOP embrace cuts in defense spending

By By DONNA CASSATAAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - Substantial reductions in military spending should be part of any budget deal that President Barack Obama negotiates with Congress to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff" of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts, a group of House Republicans

Afghan attacks down overall, insider threat rises

By By LOLITA C. BALDOR and PAULINE JELINEKAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Army is updating its handbook for soldiers on how to detect and prevent so-called insider attacks, providing detailed warning signs to watch for and cultural missteps to avoid because they could fuel anger or