What Congress got done, and what it didn't

While you were celebrating the start of the new year, Congress was still trying to clean up matters from the end of 2012. Here’s a quick look at what got passed, what didn’t, and what it means for troops and veterans in the months ahead.

Congress OKs cliff deal, signaling future fights

How tax increases will affect households

Despite deal, taxes to rise for most Americans

Is the no-draft military creating a warrior class?

Before a roadside bomb in Baghdad burned and tore apart Jerry Majetich, before 62 operations put him back together, even before he volunteered for the Marines, then the Army, there were five older brothers who’d enlisted and a mother who’d served as an Army nurse in Korea.

15:09 January 2, 2013

Rendition gets ongoing embrace from Obama administration

The three European men with Somali roots were arrested on a murky pretext in August as they passed through the small African country of Djibouti. They are the latest example of how the Obama administration has embraced renditions.

12:35 January 2, 2013

Judge: US can keep secrets on targeted killings

A federal judge has ruled that President Barack Obama's administration doesn't have to publicly disclose its legal justification for the drone attacks and other methods it has used to kill terrorism suspects overseas.

17:49 January 2, 2013

Iran says it captured 2 more US drones in past

An Iranian navy commander claims Iran captured two small U.S. drones in past missions in addition to at least four others reported earlier.

10:38 January 2, 2013

Congress OKs bill to grow rewards for terrorism justice program

Congress has approved legislation that would expand the U.S. State Department's rewards for justice program to target the world's most serious human rights abusers, with African warlord Joseph Kony a top target.

13:37 January 2, 2013

Southern Exposure: Mission to Antarctica

The Army failed two soldiers. Then they killed themselves.

A nation honors valor in the war on terrorism

Ombudsman

Ernie Gates, Stars and Stripes' ombudsman

Taliban likens US Afghan role to Vietnam War

The Taliban Wednesday likened the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan to America's pullout from Vietnam, calling it a "declare victory and run" strategy.
10:50 January 2, 2013
Pakistan: Drones kill 13, including top militant
Marines help release endangered Pronghorn into Ariz. wild
Triple amputee soldier takes on 'world's most dangerous race'
Egypt panel implicates Mubarak, military in deaths
Shell, Coast Guard seek to contain grounded Alaska drilling rig
From Capitol Hill to Iran, next defense secretary faces challenges
Soldier reunited with son among highlights of Rose Parade
WWII soldier's photos, love letters found in home
Senate report details changes in Benghazi attack explanations

Military
History
Veterans
Afghanistan
Mideast
Asia

US military deaths in Afghanistan at 2,043

As of Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at least 2,043 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count.
12:43 January 2, 2013
American journalist missing in Syria 13:23 January 2, 2013
Pakistan: Drones kill 13, including top militant 02:10 January 3, 2013
UN: Analysis suggests 60,000-plus killed in Syria 10:17 January 2, 2013
Taliban likens US Afghan role to Vietnam War 10:50 January 2, 2013
UN body: Around half-million Syrians now refugees 11:00 January 2, 2013
Attacks kill at least 5 in Iraq 08:34 January 2, 2013

Report: Ex-military chief detained in Turkey

The state-run agency says Turkey's former military chief has been detained for questioning over his role in the ousting of a pro-Islamic government in the 1990s.
Triple amputee soldier takes on 'world's most dangerous race' 21:04 January 1, 2013
Malala's father given diplomatic role in UK 15:01 January 2, 2013
Northern Ireland police arrest 2 men in bomb case 05:40 January 1, 2013
Reports: Russia sends another naval ship to Syria 11:13 December 30, 2012

Okinawa-based Marine charged with driving drunk

An Okinawa-based Marine was arrested and charged with drunken driving after he drove down a one-way street in the wrong direction and collided with an oncoming motorcycle, Japanese police said Wednesday.
05:29 January 2, 2013
North Korea is cracking down on knowledge smugglers 14:29 December 31, 2012
Parts of plane found in Midway's lagoon 12:26 January 2, 2013
Myanmar military admits airstrikes on rebels 11:46 January 2, 2013
Hundreds hurt in New Year's parties in Philippines 18:52 January 1, 2013

Soldier reunited with son among highlights of Rose Parade

A couple who became husband and wife on the "Love Float," a surprise reunion between a returning soldier and his little boy, and a grand marshal famed globally for her chimpanzee research were among the highlights of the 124th Rose Parade on Tuesday.
15:14 January 1, 2013
From Capitol Hill to Iran, next defense secretary faces challenges 13:28 January 1, 2013
Congress OKs bill to grow rewards for terrorism justice program 13:37 January 2, 2013
Shell, Coast Guard seek to contain grounded Alaska drilling rig 14:11 January 2, 2013
US military deaths in Afghanistan at 2,043 12:43 January 2, 2013
WWII soldier's photos, love letters found in home 16:19 January 2, 2013
Program gets $1.4B more to build Ospreys in Texas 12:34 January 2, 2013
Program helps Navy families with children with disabilities 05:17 January 2, 2013

Triple amputee soldier takes on 'world's most dangerous race' 21:04 January 1, 2013
Thousands protest for early elections in Macedonia 16:54 December 29, 2012
Germany to try neo-Nazi group for immigrant murders 03:11 December 29, 2012
Russian ban on U.S. adoptions meant to cast Americans as abusers 14:45 December 28, 2012
Bamberg-based soldier killed in Logar province 11:36 December 27, 2012
Kosovo aims to form military force and join NATO 13:55 December 24, 2012
NATO watches over tense peace in Kosovo 13:52 December 24, 2012
Ohio veteran does his share in World War II, Korea 11:22 December 24, 2012
WWII veteran returns to Germany where injury ended combat career 15:05 December 23, 2012
Found guilty, he ran; now ex-soldier is on last-ditch appeal 10:12 December 23, 2012

US sailors sue Japanese utility over radiation exposure 19:14 January 2, 2013
Okinawa-based Marine charged with driving drunk 05:29 January 2, 2013
Japanese leader wants to revisit apology for wartime suffering 15:31 December 31, 2012
Former GI in South Korea in custody; suspected of dealing Spice 05:21 December 31, 2012
Soldier sentenced for smuggling synthetic marijuana ingredient 04:46 December 31, 2012
Soldier sentenced for smuggling synthetic marijuana ingredient 04:45 December 31, 2012
Declassified CIA documents shed light on secret Navy mission in Cold War 11:58 December 30, 2012
Army’s Kiowa Warrior helos undergoing sensor upgrades 15:07 December 29, 2012
2 US warships to dock in Philippines 13:52 December 29, 2012
Obama eyes $108B annual Asia prize vying with China trade 15:58 December 28, 2012

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