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Vicky O'Hara Victoria (Vicky) O'Hara is a diplomatic correspondent for NPR. Her coverage of the State Department and foreign policy issues can be heard on the award-winning Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition as well as on NPR's newscasts.
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Vicky O'Hara

Tuesday

World

U.S. Works to Add Allies in War on Terrorism

Although the Bush administration is known as unilateralist in some circles, it is reaching out to other nations for help in fighting the war on terrorism. The new emphasis on international cooperation comes at a time when the United States is stretched militarily, economically and diplomatically because of the prolonged war in Iraq.

U.S. Works to Add Allies in War on Terrorism

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Wednesday

News

U.S. Government Plans for 'The Long War'

Over the past several weeks, senior administration and Pentagon officials have adopted the phrase "the long war" to characterize the global war on terrorism. Some analysts say the adoption of the phrase is an attempt to prepare Americans for a costly, long-term campaign.

U.S. Government Plans for 'The Long War'

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Wednesday

National

Panel Looks Into Secret Military Unit

A House Subcommittee holds a hearing on Able Danger, a secret military unit that identified hijacker Mohammad Atta more than a dozen times before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) says Able Danger detected a problem in Yemen two weeks before al Qaeda attacked the USS Cole.

Panel Looks Into Secret Military Unit

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Thursday

National

Pentagon Report Warns of Chinese Military Threat

Could China's growing military strength someday threaten American interests? A Pentagon report says China is expanding its military in ways that could intimidate Taiwan and other neighboring countries allied to the United States. The 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review, which will be sent to Congress on Monday, calls for repositioning U.S. air and naval resources to the Pacific.

Pentagon Report Warns of Chinese Military Threat

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Tuesday

The Impact of War

Citizen Soldiers to be Reduced in Iraq, Afghanistan

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says the number of National Guard and Reserve forces in Iraq and Afghanistan will be reduced substantially over the next year. Gen. Peter Pace offered the assessment during budget testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Citizen Soldiers to be Reduced in Iraq, Afghanistan

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Monday

Thursday

National

National Guard to Undergo Reorganization

The Army announces plans to reorganize the National Guard. Army leaders tried to reassure Congress and state governors they have no plans to reduce the number of Guard troops. The reorganization is meant to enhance the Guard's capabilities to respond to emergencies at home and conflicts abroad.

National Guard to Undergo Reorganization

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Wednesday

All Things Considered

U.S. Forces Overstretched? Rumsfeld Says No

Two reports conclude the U.S. Army and Marines are being stretched dangerously thin because of repeated deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats released one report, while the other Pentagon-commissioned study has not been made public. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has disputed the findings.

U.S. Forces Overstretched? Rumsfeld Says No

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Thursday

World

Essay Offers Strong Critique of U.S. Military in Iraq

The Army publication Military Review has published a provocative essay by a respected British military officer that is highly critical of the U.S. Army's performance in Iraq. The officer writes that the U.S. Army is ill prepared to cope with an insurgency and that its actions actually have fueled the insurgency in Iraq.

Essay Offers Strong Critique of U.S. Military in Iraq

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Friday

World

U.S. Moves Toward Air Power in Iraq War

In mid-December, the U.S. military increased its use of air power against the Iraqi insurgency as the country prepared for elections. U.S. officials say reliance on air power is likely to continue this year as Washington begins to draw down its ground forces.

U.S. Moves Toward Air Power in Iraq War

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Thursday

Politics

Pentagon to Probe Abuse of Security Database

The Pentagon has ordered a review of a security database built after the Sept. 11 attacks to help protect military bases and personnel. But reports have emerged that the database includes information about anti-war activists and people opposed to military recruiting.

Pentagon to Probe Abuse of Security Database

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Tuesday

Technology

Defense Contractors May Be Chink in Cyber Security

Pentagon figures show that attempts to break into Department of Defense systems increased dramatically from 2003 to 2004. Security analysts warn that defense contractors are even more vulnerable than the Pentagon to computer hackers.

Defense Contractors May Be Chink in Cyber Security

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Monday

Technology

Pentagon Faces Computer Security Problems

The Pentagon's 5 million computers make a tempting target for computer hackers. Officials reported 80,000 attempts to disrupt the system last year. What is being done to improve security?

Pentagon Faces Computer Security Problems

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Sunday

World

Resurgent Violence Threatens Fragile Afghan Stability

Four years after U.S.-led forces ousted the Taliban, the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan says the country has made considerable progress. But 2005 has been the bloodiest year yet for American forces there. Some experts say the Taliban has become stronger and may be receiving training in Iraq.

Resurgent Violence Threatens Fragile Afghan Stability

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Thursday

Morning Edition

Pentagon Addresses Need to Stop Detainee Abuse

Pentagon officials are trying to sort out a policy for what soldiers should do when they witness abuse of detainees by authorities in other countries. The issue arose two weeks ago after starved and tortured men were discovered at a clandestine Baghdad prison run by Iraq's Interior Ministry.

Pentagon Addresses Need to Stop Detainee Abuse

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