Pentagon planning for multinational military intervention in Mali
![Pentagon planning for multinational military intervention in Mali](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/14/Foreign/Images/2012-08-08T173748Z_01_FRO101_RTRIDSP_3_MALI-CRISIS-MEDIATION.jpg)
Pending U.N. approval, a regional military force could enter African country to fight al-Qaeda next year.
U.S., allies look to expedite Syria transition planning amid rebel gains
![U.S., allies look to expedite Syria transition planning amid rebel gains](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/02/Foreign/Images/03494544.jpg)
Recent rebel advances have increased the urgency of developing a political alternative in Syria.
U.S. reducing plans for large civilian force in post-2014 Afghanistan
![U.S. reducing plans for large civilian force in post-2014 Afghanistan](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/03/National-Politics/Images/Afghanistan_Obama_and_the_World-07616.jpg)
Learning from Iraq, Obama administration orders cutbacks, citing concerns over security, resources.
Cracks show in Syrian army as rebels consolidate gains near Damascus
![Cracks show in Syrian army as rebels consolidate gains near Damascus](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/04/Foreign/Images/Mideast_Syria_The_Beloved_of_Allah_0c876.jpg)
Syrian opposition wields new weapons and confidence as it captures more bases and airfields.
Justice Department recovers record $5 billion under False Claims Act
![Justice Department recovers record $5 billion under False Claims Act](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/16/National-Security/Images/2012-11-15T195844Z_01_NEW103_RTRIDSP_3_BP-SPILL-CIVIL-906.jpg)
Department steps up effort as much of the abuse occurres in the health-care and mortgage industries.
New Afghan war commander expected to take charge early next year
![New Afghan war commander expected to take charge early next year](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/15/National-Politics/Images/2012-11-15T162516Z_01_WAS417_RTRIDSP_3_USA-CONGRESS.jpg)
Officials say the Pentagon won’t push Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford to take over early because of scandal.
Patriot batteries likely to play symbolic role near Syrian border
![Patriot batteries likely to play symbolic role near Syrian border](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/04/National-Security/Images/03480644.jpg)
Turkish request for defenses called ‘political posturing’; deployment is unlikely unless no-fly zone is created.
Photo Gallery
An ongoing U.S. kill list
The United States expects to continue adding names to kill-or-capture lists for years.
U.S. pushes peace talks with Taliban
![U.S. pushes peace talks with Taliban](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/04/National-Security/Images/2011-06-22T175416Z_01_BAZ002_RTRIDSP_3_AFGHANISTAN.jpg)
Move comes amid resistance from the U.S. military, mixed signals from Pakistan and refusal from militants.
A healthy approach to Tricare
![A healthy approach to Tricare](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/03/TheFold/Images/pentagon%20still.jpg)
FINE PRINT | Effort to cover better autistic care is just one budget issue for program amid “fiscal cliff.”
In Jordanian terror plot, officials see hand of resurgent al-Qaeda branch
![In Jordanian terror plot, officials see hand of resurgent al-Qaeda branch](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/03/Web-Resampled/2012-12-02/_tn_1001.5.4132698062_7cxrwjzxEeKi2YIvWKyf1Q_AP8247780742301354475641--90x60.jpg)
Officials say foiled plot to strike U.S., Jordanian targets received critical support from al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Iron Dome missile defense system represents breakthrough for Israel
![Iron Dome missile defense system represents breakthrough for Israel](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/19/Foreign/Images/2012-11-19T120724Z_01_JER05_RTRIDSP_3_PALESTINIANS-ISRAEL.jpg)
Defying skeptics, radar-guided munitions destroyed hundreds of rockets fired into Israel from Gaza.
Special Reports
Elsewhere in World
Africa
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Middle East
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- Egyptian army moves to restore order after deadly protests over constitutional crisis
- NATO moves toward missile deployment on Syria border amid chemical weapons fears
- Iraqi PM says central government and Kurds reach preliminary deal for disputed northern areas
- Netanyahu: Israel will keep planned settlement corridor under any future peace deal
Europe
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- Duchess of Cambridge leaves the hospital after being treated for acute morning sickness.
- Russia fumes as U.S. Senate passes Magnitsky law aimed at human rights
- US, Russia meet with UN mediator for Syria in new diplomatic effort to end war
- Clinton, Russian foreign minister meet with U.N. envoy on Syrian crisis
The Americas
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- Brazil mourns death of architect Niemeyer, the man who built its capital
- Chile tells world court its maritime border with Peru has been settled for years
- Mexican Supreme Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage in southern Oaxaca state
- Photo Package: Cubans honor Saint Barbara, Santeria deity Chango
National Security
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121206201929im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/national-security-86x56.jpg)
- Army general who oversaw Iraq drawdown tapped to be top US commander in Middle East
- US now says whereabouts of missing Syrian foreign ministry spokesman unknown
- US, Japan, South Korea to seek Security Council action if North Korea launches rocket
- Proponents for abortion coverage for military women press to end restrictions