All Security

Rounding up a nation's chemical weapons stockplie – amid civil war – is no small task. Secretary Hagel says the US must 'be clear-eyed and ensure it is not a stalling tactic' by Russia or Syria.

The Pentagon says any attack could hit the Syrian regime hard, which could lead to retaliation, such as attacks on US bases. 'You should expect everything,' says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria's cyberwar capabilities may be modest, but its allies and sympathizers – including Russia and Iran – could pose a more formidable cyber threat to the US, experts say. 

Gen. Martin Dempsey, the top Pentagon officer, repeatedly warned against the costs and potential entanglements of military involvement in Syria. Now he's testifying on behalf of the White House.

If and when the US carries out a missile strike, Syria's military will have had ample time to prepare, and Russia will be better positioned to provide Assad real-time intelligence, experts say.

Syria's extensive air-defense network comprises mainly aging, Soviet-made systems that have been upgraded over the years but are well-known to the US military and vulnerable to US countermeasures.

Four US Navy guided missile destroyers, along with British warships, are positioned in the Mediterranean Sea to attack Syrian military targets. It's a cat-and-mouse game, as Syria likely places decoys.

The US has said it wants to deter Syria – or anyone else – from using chemical weapons. But hitting the chemical weapons themselves could be dangerous for several reasons.

Destroyers: Syria is now within striking distance of destroyers and warplanes, says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. But the key is what military actions follow an initial US cruise-missile strike.

Army Maj. Nidal Hasan was convicted Friday of all charges stemming from 2009 attack at Fort Hood, Texas, which killed 13 and wounded 30. Hasan has said he wants a martyr's death. Starting Monday, jurors will begin considering that option.

Lockheed Martin F-35B: The US Marine Corps is conducting sea tests of the new Lockheed Martin F-35B at night. Check out the video of the aircraft's first night takeoff and landing.

The US can't call the shots with its $1.6 billion in aid, but access to Egypt's leaders, preferential treatment at the Suez Canal, and rights of overflight at a strategic location benefit the Pentagon.

A surge of Al Qaeda-inspired violence has Iraq seeking support – and big weapons – from the US. Counterterrorism is a US priority, but some in Congress balk at certain arms sales. One reason: bloodshed in Egypt.

Under the new provisions, every victim of sexual assault in the military will be provided with special legal representation, and investigations of sexual assaults will be conducted by military lawyers, rather than less experienced personnel.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel outlined a new policy to 'treat all married military personnel equally,' including providing 10 days' paid leave for same-sex couples to travel to a state where gay marriage is legal.

Maj. Nidal Hasan, on trial for the 2009 Fort Hood attack that killed 13 soldiers, has acted contrary to many expectations, remaining cool and businesslike as witnesses recount the assault.

Yemen plot foiled, but the intercepted chatter that preceded it has raised a few eyebrows. Some think it might have been an attempt to goad the US into action. Others reject that theory.

Auditors plan to review how the Pentagon decides if documents should be kept secret. At the heart of the matter is the right balance between national security and transparency for the public.

With an acquittal, Bradley Manning avoided his most serious charge, but he still faces convictions on multiple counts of violating the Espionage Act and theft. The judge has broad discretion for sentencing.

Bradley Manning is a patriot responsible for 'the most influential leak in history,' WikiLeaks' Assange argues. Ellsberg warns the trial has grave consequences for democracy and journalism.