Robert Burns
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Articles by Robert Burns
U.S. military focuses recruiting efforts on video-game playing teenagers
Judy Woodruff: Pivoting from veterans to new recruits. The U.S. military is intensifying its efforts to meet young people where they spend their time, online and on their devices. But as John Yang reports in this report, there are critics who say these new recording methods — recruiting methods also raise new concerns.
WATCH: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin holds a news briefing after trip to Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — The longer Ukraine’s army fends off the invading Russians, the more it absorbs the advantages of Western weaponry and training — exactly the transformation President Vladimir Putin wanted to prevent by invading in the first place. Watch the briefing in the player above. The list of arms flowing to Ukraine is long and growing longer.
Russia installs new Ukraine war commander, U.S. official says
World Apr 10, 2022 11:32 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — After its striking post-invasion setbacks, Russia has appointed a new Ukraine war commander, a U.S. official said Sunday. Russia has turned to Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, 60, one of Russia’s most experienced military officers and — according to U.S. officials — a general with a record of brutality against civilians in Syria and other war theaters.
Army Gen. Mark Milley urges more U.S. troops be stationed in eastern Europe
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States should look at the development of more bases in Eastern Europe to protect against Russian aggression, but rotate forces through them rather than make permanent deployments, the top U.S military officer told Congress on Tuesday. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the basing could be funded by other countries such as Poland and the Baltics that want more U.S. troops.
Putin put Russia’s nuclear forces on alert. What does that mean for the risk of nuclear war?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s implied threat to turn the Ukraine war into a broader nuclear conflict presents President Joe Biden with choices rarely contemplated in the atomic age, including whether to raise the alert level of U.S. nuclear forces.
Ukraine crisis escalates as Biden orders 3,000 more troops to Poland
Nation Feb 11, 2022 5:57 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is sending another 3,000 combat troops to Poland to join 1,700 who already are assembling there in a demonstration of American commitment to NATO allies worried at the prospect of Russia invading Ukraine, a senior defense official said Friday.
U.S. puts troops on high alert as Russia-Ukraine tensions escalate
It's the most acute crisis between the West and Russia since the end of the Cold War, and both sides escalated their military deployments Monday. The United States is putting troops on higher alert, NATO says it will reinforce its eastern flank, and Russia is adding to its existing 100,000 troops on Ukraine’s borders. Nick Schifrin reports. Judy Woodruff: It is the most acute crisis between the West and Russia since the end of the Cold War.
U.S. military puts 8,500 troops on alert for possible deployment amid Russia tension
Jan 24, 2022 5:35 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — At President Joe Biden’s direction, the Pentagon is putting about 8,500 U.S.-based troops on heightened alert for potential deployment to Europe to reassure allies amid rising fears of a possible Russian military move on Ukraine.
What Activision Blizzard’s acquisition by Microsoft means for its pending lawsuits, gamers
Microsoft announced plans Tuesday to buy Activision Blizzard — a huge leader in game development — in a deal valued at $75 billion. But the acquisition comes with significant issues. There have been numerous allegations of sexual misconduct in the Activision workplace. Geoff Bennett looks at those concerns and others behind the deal. Judy Woodruff: Microsoft announced plans today to buy Activision Blizzard, a huge leader in video game development, in a deal valued at $75 billion.
Federal judge blocks Navy from acting against 35 COVID vaccine refusers
Jan 4, 2022 2:38 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations mandatory for all members of the military.
Pentagon eases approval process for urgent use of D.C. National Guard
Dec 30, 2021 5:49 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Thursday it has streamlined the approval process for urgent use of National Guard forces in the District of Columbia, after months of study following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
How negligence, systemic issues lead to civilian casualties from U.S. airstrikes
Nick Schifrin: To discuss these incidents and the larger issue of civilian casualties, I'm joined by Larry Lewis, who has worked with the Defense Department for over a decade to prevent civilian casualties. He was also the State Department's senior adviser on civilian protection, and is now research director at the Center for Naval Analyses, CNA. Larry Lewis, welcome back to the "NewsHour." Thanks very much.
Alex Gibney’s ‘The Forever Prisoner’ reveals CIA torture tactics
A new HBO documentary that debuted this week tells the story of a man once thought to be a top al-Qaida operative. It also reveals U.S. attempts to justify torture in the name of protecting Americans. Amna Nawaz recently sat down with the filmmaker, Alex Gibney, for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
What we know about a 2019 U.S. airstrike in Syria and its alleged cover-up
This weekend, The New York Times published a story about what it describes as a cover-up by the U.S. military of an airstrike that killed as many as 80 civilians. It took place in Syria in 2019, and The Times says it is one of the deadliest accidental strikes on civilians in years. Dave Philipps, military correspondent for The New York Times, joins Nick Schifrin with more.
Remembering ‘warrior statesman’ Colin Powell
Judy Woodruff: As we were discussing earlier, at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., today, family, friends and colleagues of the late Secretary of State Colin Powell gathered to memorialize him. Presidents Biden, Obama and Bush and another secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, were among the guests. As some of Powell's favorite songs played, a handful who knew him well shared stories about who he was as a statesman, friend, and father.
WATCH: Family, friends gather to honor trailblazer Colin Powell
Nov 5, 2021 2:18 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Friends, family and former colleagues gathered Friday at Washington National Cathedral to honor Colin L. Powell, the trailblazing soldier-diplomat who rose from humble Bronx beginnings to become the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later served as the first Black secretary of state. The funeral on a sunny and chilly day drew dignitaries and friends from across a wide political and military spectrum.
What we know about Taliban rule in Afghanistan, classified documents about the U.S. war
It's been two-and-a-half months since the Afghan government's collapse and the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Since the U.S. withdrawal, the country's economy has cratered, and a major humanitarian crisis is underway. The threat of famine looms and the hard afghan winter is on its way. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson was in Kabul during the U.S. withdrawal, and joins Amna Nawaz with more.
Gen. Milley calls Chinese weapon test ‘very concerning’
FILE - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley testifies before the House Armed Services Committee on the conclusion of military operations in Afghanistan and plans for future counterterrorism operations on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Gen. Milley calls Chinese weapon test ‘very concerning’
World Oct 27, 2021 1:38 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — China recently conducted a “very concerning” test of a hypersonic weapon system as part of its aggressive advance in space and military technologies, the top U.S. military officer says. Gen.
Ex-U.S. diplomat who wrote Afghanistan’s constitution reflects on exit deal with Taliban
Two decades of America's war in Afghanistan ended in chaos late this summer, and the future of the country remains in grave doubt under Taliban rule. Nick Schifrin speaks with a former top American diplomat, Zalmay Khalilzad, who spent much of those 20 years helping to manage America's role, and ultimately, its withdrawal from Afghanistan. Judy Woodruff: The future of Afghanistan remains in doubt under Taliban rule after 20 years of American war ended there in chaos this summer.
How Colin Powell was the nexus of America’s ‘momentous’ decisions
Judy Woodruff: For more on the legacy of Colin Powell, we talk to two men who knew him well. Richard Haass has known him since the Carter administration. Haass was the director of policy planning at the State Department when Powell was secretary of state during the George W. Bush administration. He's now president of the Council on Foreign Relations. And Michael Gordon is a longtime reporter covering the Defense Department and author of several books about U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
Remembering the life and legacy of Colin Powell, a national security trailblazer
Colin Powell, the first Black secretary of state died Monday from complications related to COVID-19, but his family says he also suffered from multiple myeloma, which compromised his immune system. Nick Schifrin looks back at his life and career. Judy Woodruff: As we reported, Colin Powell, a trailblazing military leader and the first Black secretary of state, died today from complications of COVID.
How U.S. can help crumbling Afghan economy and support international aid efforts
It's been two months since the Taliban took control of Kabul and solidified their grip on Afghanistan. The country's banking system and economy is all but collapsing. Afghanistan needs urgent help, according to the head of one of the largest humanitarian aid organizations operating in the country. Jan Egeland, the secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council joins Nick Schifrin with more.
Milley, military leaders contradict Biden on support for complete Afghanistan withdrawal
The end of America's 20-year war in Afghanistan was a "strategic failure," according to the assessment of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley. Milley, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Gen. Frank McKenzie, who runs U.S. Central Command, all appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday to discuss the withdrawal. Nick Schifrin reports. Amna Nawaz: Strategic failure.
WATCH: Gen. Milley explains his calls with China over concerns about President Trump
Politics Sep 28, 2021 10:54 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. military officer told Congress on Tuesday that he knew former President Donald Trump wasn’t planning to attack China and that it was his job to reassure the Chinese of that fact in phone calls that have triggered outrage from some lawmakers. Army Gen.
WATCH LIVE: Sec. Austin, Gen. Milley and Gen. McKenzie testify on Afghanistan withdrawal
Sep 27, 2021 6:11 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Gen. Mark Milley has been the target of more political intrigue and debate in two years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff than any of his recent predecessors were in four. The event is scheduled to start on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET. Watch the hearing in the player above.
Pentagon admits error in U.S. drone strike that killed 10 civilians in Afghanistan
Nick Schifrin: Yes, the military got the intelligence horribly and tragically wrong. General McKenzie, who we just saw, said, following the August 26 attack that killed almost 200 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, the military had 60 pieces of intelligence, both intercepts and also human intelligence, that indicated an imminent attack, including with a white Toyota Corolla with a car bomb.
Kabul air strike killed 10 civilians including up to 7 children, Pentagon admits
Sep 17, 2021 3:33 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon retreated from its defense of a drone strike that killed multiple civilians in Afghanistan last month, announcing Friday that a review revealed that only civilians were killed in the attack, not an Islamic State extremist as first believed. “The strike was a tragic mistake,” Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, told a Pentagon news conference. For days after the Aug.
WATCH: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley discuss Afghanistan
Updated on Sep 1, 2021 3:59 PM EDT — Published on Sep 1, 2021 10:03 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Wednesday that it’s “possible” the United States will seek to coordinate with the Taliban on counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan against Islamic State militants or others. Watch the briefing in the player above. Milley did not elaborate, and his comment did not appear to suggest immediate plans to work with the Taliban.
Taliban members have vastly different ideas to govern Afghanistan. Which will prevail?
Two days after the last American troops left Afghanistan, Taliban rulers are struggling to keep the country functioning. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department is trying to secure the remaining Americans and Afghan allies' exit. As the world waits to see how the Taliban governs, Amna Nawaz speaks to Shaharzad Akbar, chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, about the issue. Judy Woodruff: Two days after the United States withdrew its last troops from Afghanistan.
The last American troop leaves Afghanistan
Aug 31, 2021 9:37 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, some barely older than the war.
WATCH LIVE: Biden addresses nation about end of Afghanistan war
Updated on Aug 31, 2021 11:39 AM EDT — Published on Aug 31, 2021 9:30 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Faced with tough questions about leaving Afghanistan, including Americans left behind, President Joe Biden planned to address the nation Tuesday about the way forward after 20 years of U.S. war. Biden is expected to speak at 1:30 p.m. ET. Watch in the player above.
What’s left behind in Afghanistan after ‘heartbreak’ of U.S. departure
By — Jane Ferguson Jane Ferguson Jane is a Beirut-based special correspondent for the NewsHour, reporting from across the Middle East, Africa and beyond. Reporting highlights include front-line dispatches from the war against ISIS in Iraq, an up-close look at Houthi-controlled Yemen, and reports on the war and famine in South Sudan. Areas of particular interest are the ongoing cold war between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, Islamist groups around the world, and US foreign policy.
WATCH: Pentagon’s John Kirby and Gen. Hank Taylor hold briefing as Afghanistan deadline looms
Watch the briefing in the player above. “Obviously we are reaching the end of our prescribed mission,” Maj. Gen. Hank Taylor of the Pentagon’s Joint Staff told reporters, adding that details of the final evacuation movements were being kept secret for security reasons. Speaking at the same news conference, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said it was not too late for any remaining Americans to get to the Kabul airport for evacuation flights. “There is still time,” Kirby said.
Biden vows to ‘hunt’ ISIS-K as evacuations continue amid Kabul blast chaos
Thursday was an awful and bloody day in Kabul as multiple suicide bombings at the airport killed 11 U.S. Marines, a navy corpsman and at least 90 Afghan civilians. Hundreds were injured, many critically. It was the deadliest day for American forces in Afghanistan since 2012. President Joe Biden promised reprisals against ISIS-K, who claimed responsibility. Jane Ferguson and Lisa Desjardins report.
Analyzing the risk to U.S. troops remaining in Afghanistan until Aug. 31
To discuss how evacuations in Afghanistan may be affected by Thursday's attacks, Amna Nawaz speaks to retired Col. Mike Jason, who was a battalion commander in northern Afghanistan, now the interim executive director of Allied Airlift 21, and Lisa Curtis, a former senior director for South and Central Asia on the National Security Council, now a senior fellow at Center for a New American Security.
Biden monitors Afghanistan violence, delays new Israel PM meeting
Aug 26, 2021 1:00 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House hurriedly put off President Joe Biden’s first in-person meeting with Israel’s new prime minister Thursday and canceled a video conference with governors on incoming Afghan refugees after more than a dozen people were killed in explosions outside the airport in the Afghan capital, where throngs of people are scrambling to get to planes and evacuate.
Security threat at Kabul airport ‘imminent,’ U.S. diplomat says
Aug 26, 2021 9:21 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The security threat that prompted the State Department to urge Americans to move away from the perimeter of the Kabul airport was credible and urgent, the acting U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan said Thursday. Speaking to ABC News from Kabul, Ross Wilson said he could not discuss specifics of the threat or its current status. “It was clearly regarded as credible, as imminent, as compelling,” he said.
Afghanistan evacuees wait hours in the heat due to bottleneck backlog at Kabul airport
Lisa Desjardins: He and his family finally got help from a U.S. senator. Yesterday, President Biden reaffirmed that the U.S. would stick with the August 31 evacuation deadline, despite pleas by some world leaders and members of Congress to prolong the mission. The president did say there were contingency plans being drawn up to stay longer.
Can the U.S. safely evacuate Afghanistan by the Aug. 31 deadline? Two experts weigh in
Matt Zeller: It was done at the 11th hour. And for those of us who were advocating that this be done months earlier, it will haunt us for the rest of our lives.
Does the U.S. have any leverage with the Taliban?
Amna Nawaz: President Biden says the United States will work to finish its evacuation in Afghanistan by August 31. But he did not fully commit today to a complete withdrawal, as American and allied evacuations continued and thousands remained desperate to flee.
U.S. troops surge evacuations out of Afghanistan but threats persist
Updated on Aug 23, 2021 11:58 AM EDT — Published on Aug 23, 2021 11:27 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military reported its biggest day of airlifts out of Afghanistan by far on Monday, but deadly violence that has blocked many desperate evacuees from entering Kabul’s airport persisted, and the Taliban signaled they might soon seek to shut down the evacuation.
WATCH LIVE: Biden to address evacuation Americans and allies from Afghanistan
Aug 20, 2021 9:52 AM EDT WASHINGTON — Facing a firestorm of criticism, President Joe Biden plans to speak Friday about the chaotic evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan as the U.S. struggles with obstacles ranging from armed Taliban checkpoints to paperwork problems. Watch Biden’s speech stream live in the video player above at 1 p.m. ET.
Biden says troops will stay in Afghanistan to evacuate Americans
Aug 19, 2021 9:30 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says even with the Taliban in power in Afghanistan, he sees a greater threat from outposts of al-Qaida and its affiliated groups in other countries, and that it was no longer “rational” to continue to focus U.S. military power there. “We should be focusing on where the threat is the greatest,” Biden said in an interview that aired on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday.
Despite Taliban promises, Afghan women fear losing their freedoms and lives
The plight of women and girls in Afghanistan, many of whom gained new freedoms over the past 20 years, is now among the most important priorities now that the Taliban have taken over. With the help of author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, Stephanie Sy tells us the story of a woman who persevered under the Taliban, flourished over the last 20 years, and escaped the Taliban's return just 48 hours ago.
WATCH LIVE: Jen Psaki, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan give news briefing
Aug 17, 2021 12:17 PM EDT White House press secretary Jen Psaki will hold a news conference Tuesday alongside National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan amid fallout over the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s subsequent takeover. Watch the news briefing live at 1:30 p.m. ET in the video player above.
U.S. sends 3,000 troops to Kabul to evacuate some embassy staff
Aug 12, 2021 4:25 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — With security rapidly deteriorating in Afghanistan, the United States is sending in an additional 3,000 troops to help evacuate some personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, officials said Thursday. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said one Army and two Marine infantry battalions will enter Afghanistan within the next two days to assist at the Kabul airport with the partial embassy evacuation.
Gen. Brown on extremism in the Air Force and threats from China, Afghanistan
Jul 28, 2021 6:30 PM EDT The Air Force’s top officer is Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the first and so far only Black service chief in U.S. military history. Nick Schifrin sits down with General Brown to look at his history and his priorities for the force, including how he plans to address diversity, racism and extremism issues. Judy Woodruff: The Air Force's top officer is general C.Q. Brown Jr., the first and so far only Black service chief in U.S. military history.
News Wrap: Biden to pull U.S. combat forces from Iraq by end of year
Judy Woodruff: The U.S. side called the meetings — quote — "a frank and open discussion." Back in this country, a wildfire in Northern California, the largest in the state, is threatening more than 10,000 homes. The Dixie Fire was less than a quarter contained today. It had burned across 300 square miles and forced evacuations in several small communities. Authorities in South Florida have identified the last of 98 people killed when a condominium tower collapsed in June.
Was the war in Afghanistan worth fighting? 3 veterans weigh in
Many countries have closed or scaled back operations at consulates in Afghanistan as the Taliban have scored territorial gains since mid-April, when the U.S. announced its military withdrawal. How does the war in Afghanistan — America's longest war — look to the soldiers that were deployed there, and what do they think of the withdrawal? Three veterans share their experiences with Nick Schifrin.
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