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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

Sunday

World

U.S. Notes Growing Chinese Military Strength

The Pentagon's 2005 report on China's military is released after months of review by the State Department, CIA and White House. The final version is diplomatically worded, but the data is ominous from a U.S. view.

U.S. Notes Growing Chinese Military Strength

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Thursday

Tuesday

Politics

Pentagon Officials Make Case for Weapons Capability in Space

The nation's space policy does not endorse the development of space weapons, although it leaves much room for interpretation. Defense analysts say they expect the Bush administration to take a more robust approach, in part, because senior Pentagon officials have publicly endorsed the development of a space-based weapons capability.

Pentagon Officials Make Case for Weapons Capability in Space

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Wednesday

National

Downed Copter in Afghanistan Was Under Fire

The fate of 17 U.S. military personnel aboard a Chinook helicopter that went down near the Afghan-Pakistani border Tuesday remains uncertain. Officials confirm that the copter was under hostile fire, but they say severe weather and rugged terrain are hampering recovery efforts.

Downed Copter in Afghanistan Was Under Fire

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Thursday

World

Rumsfeld Defends Military Operations in Iraq

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Bush administration's top commanders tell Congress that the war in Iraq has been a difficult, dangerous and tough business, but that it is not a quagmire. But Rumsfeld refused to set a deadline for withdrawal, and Army Gen. John Abizaid admitted that the insurgency's strength has not diminished.

Rumsfeld Defends Military Operations in Iraq

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Wednesday

National

Air Force Academy Chided for Religious Tone

A Pentagon task force investigating possible religious intolerance at the U.S. Air Force Academy reports shortcomings, but no intentional discrimination based on religion. Cadets have complained of pressure to attend chapel and join prayer groups.

Air Force Academy Chided for Religious Tone

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Monday

World

Pentagon Report on Chinese Military Delayed

The Pentagon's annual assessment of China's military capabilities was due in March. But this year, as in previous years, the deadline has slipped as various government agencies try to reach consensus. That issue is particularly sensitive this year because of tensions between Washington and Beijing over a variety of issues, including a military buildup by China.

Pentagon Report on Chinese Military Delayed

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Tuesday

World

Gallup Poll: Support Falling for War in Iraq

A Gallup poll shows 6 in 10 Americans say the U.S. should withdraw some or all troops from Iraq. In February, less than half of those surveyed by Gallup offered that opinion.

Gallup Poll: Support Falling for War in Iraq

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National

U.S. to Keep Guantanamo

The United States will need a prison like that in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, until the war on terror is over, says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Recent reports had suggested that the facility be closed.

U.S. to Keep Guantanamo

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Friday

Friday

World

U.S. Concerns Rise over Chinese Military Growth

An Israeli negotiator visited Washington this week to resolve a dispute between Israel and the United States over arms sales to China. The Bush administration is pressuring Israel to stop selling arms and transferring technology to China amid growing U.S. concern about China's military buildup.

U.S. Concerns Rise over Chinese Military Growth

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Thursday

World

U.S. Suspends MIA Search in North Korea

The Pentagon suspends missions to recover remains of U.S. soldiers from North Korea. The joint search for MIAs from the 1950-53 Korean War was one of the few examples of cooperation in an otherwise hostile relationship between the two nations. U.S. officials cited safety concerns for American personnel working in North Korea.

U.S. Suspends MIA Search in North Korea

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Saturday

National

Military Recruiters Find the Going Tough

For the past three months the Army has failed to meet its recruiting quotas, and some recruiters have been accused of signing up young men and women they knew were not qualified. The head of the army recruiting command says that recruiting these days is the toughest he's ever seen.

Military Recruiters Find the Going Tough

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Wednesday

Space

Space Could Be Next Battleground

The White House says it is in the process of updating U.S. space policy. But it is denying a report suggesting that the new policy would move the U.S. toward the deployment of weapons in space. Senior Air Force officials, however, have said publicly that the U.S. must establish and maintain space superiority.

Space Could Be Next Battleground

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Monday

National

Rumsfeld Makes Case for Base Closings

In his first public remarks since the Pentagon issued its recommendation to close 33 major bases, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld defended the proposal. In comments to a nine-member panel reviewing the recommendations, Rumsfeld said the changes were needed to adjust to the challenges of a changing world.

Rumsfeld Makes Case for Base Closings

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