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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

Saturday

World

Report Clears Soldiers in Death of Italian Agent

The U.S. military releases a report on its investigation into the March killing of an Italian agent by American soldiers at a checkpoint in Iraq. The report clears the soldiers of any wrongdoing. Italian officials are preparing their own report.

Report Clears Soldiers in Death of Italian Agent

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Thursday

All Things Considered

Army to Issue New Manual on Interrogation Methods

Pentagon officials say a new Army manual on interrogation techniques will prohibit the kind of abuse revealed last year at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison. The Pentagon also has published interim guidance on the issue for all branches of the service.

Army to Issue New Manual on Interrogation Methods

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Tuesday

World

Zarqawi Eluded Capture, Myers Confirms

U.S. intelligence gathering in Iraq is improving, but terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi escaped capture earlier this year. So says Gen. Richard Myers, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. At a Pentagon news briefing Tuesday, Myers also conceded that insurgent attacks in Iraq are at about the same level as they were a year ago.

Zarqawi Eluded Capture, Myers Confirms

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Sunday

The Impact of War

Army Seeks to Bridge Recruitment Gap

The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have forced the U.S. military to rely on its National Guard and Reserve units more than it ever envisioned. That's hurt efforts to attract new recruits to active and Reserve forces. Military officials and members of Congress are looking for creative solutions to the problem.

Army Seeks to Bridge Recruitment Gap

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Friday

Politics

Gen. Pace Tapped to Head Joint Chiefs of Staff

President Bush names Marine Gen. Peter Pace to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If confirmed, he will succeed Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers. Pace saw combat in Vietnam and was a commander in the ill-fated U.S. military intervention in Somalia.

Gen. Pace Tapped to Head Joint Chiefs of Staff

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Tuesday

World

U.S. May Begin Trimming Iraq Force in 2006

Pentagon officials are expressing guarded optimism that they may begin withdrawing a significant number of American military personnel from Iraq next year. But no one in the military leadership is discussing a full withdrawal yet.

U.S. May Begin Trimming Iraq Force in 2006

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Sunday

World

U.S. Military Targets Afghan Drug Industry

American forces in Afghanistan have been ordered to take a more active role in stopping drug trafficking and opium production. Previously, U.S. troops had orders to destroy drugs or drug-producing facilities only when they stumbled across them.

U.S. Military Targets Afghan Drug Industry

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Tuesday

National

Military Tries to Stem Loss of Special Ops Forces

The U.S. military is taking steps to retain its special forces troops, such as Green Berets and Navy SEALs. The threat of terrorism has made specialists in demand by both the military and the private sector.

Military Tries to Stem Loss of Special Ops Forces

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Friday

World

Pakistan to Purchase U.S. Warplanes

The United States has agreed to sell F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan. The move is seen as a reward for Pakistan's cooperation in the war against terrorism. The decision angers Pakistan's rival, India. But U.S. officials say the sale will not alter the balance of power on the sub-continent. They say India is also contemplating the purchase of warplanes, though not necessarily from the United States.

Pakistan to Purchase U.S. Warplanes

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Tuesday

World

Europe Wary of Ending China Embargo

European diplomats say China's passage of a new law threatening Taiwan in the event of the island's secession may slow implementation of a European Union decision to lift its longstanding arms embargo against China. The United States adamantly opposes lifting the embargo. Pentagon officials and others say lifting the embargo could give China access to high technology that could be used against U.S. forces if a military conflict breaks out in Asia. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Europe Wary of Ending China Embargo

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Wednesday

World

Berlusconi Softens Withdrawal Date for Forces in Iraq

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has modified his comments about wanting to start withdrawing his country's forces from Iraq in September. He said September was a target, but that the timing could be changed if necessary.

Berlusconi Softens Withdrawal Date for Forces in Iraq

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Saturday

World

Rules of Engagement Shift at Iraq Checkpoints

The U.S. military says all soldiers heading for Iraq receive training on the operation of checkpoints. But rules of engagement at the checkpoints differ from place to place, determined by the commander on the ground. Rights groups say the system permits U.S. troops to dodge accountability when deaths occur.

Rules of Engagement Shift at Iraq Checkpoints

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Friday

World

Troop Protections from Homemade Bombs Sought

According to the Pentagon, improvised explosive devices account for half of all combat deaths in Iraq. The Pentagon says by summer, all U.S. military vehicles in Iraq will have factory-produced armor. The military also is turning to high-tech solutions, including drones that can detect items buried in the ground.

Troop Protections from Homemade Bombs Sought

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Thursday

The Impact of War

Reservists, Guard Troops Find Military Benefits Lacking

Reservists and National Guard members have complained about the follow-up medical care and disability benefits provided to wounded troops. The military has taken some steps to improve the situation, but testimony Thursday on Capitol Hill indicates the problems persist.

Reservists, Guard Troops Find Military Benefits Lacking

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Monday

White House Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2006

Defense Funding Expands in 2006 Budget

The some $420 billion in defense spending proposed for 2006 gives the Pentagon a nearly 5 percent increase, putting emphasis on reshaping the military to fight terror. The budget does not include the billions spent for war operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Defense Funding Expands in 2006 Budget

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