U.S. Officials Believe Ex-FBI Agent Who Disappeared In Iran In 2007 Is Dead
Robert Levinson, who went missing while on an unauthorized mission for the CIA, is thought to have died in Iranian custody, his family says.
National Security
Defense Secretary Esper Says Military Has 'Limited Capacity' To Provide Hospital Beds
New York alone could need nearly 90,000 more beds to deal with coronavirus patients, but in an interview with NPR, Mark Esper cautioned the Pentagon can only offer "a few thousand beds ... at most."
Judge's Retirement Is Likely To Delay Trial Of Sept. 11 Defendants At Guantánamo
Judge W. Shane Cohen, a U.S. Air Force colonel who arrived at Guantánamo nine months ago, is retiring from active duty. A new judge will need to get up to speed on nearly a decade of legal filings.
Commission Issues Verdict: Women, Like Men, Should Have To Sign Up For Draft
Only men are currently obliged to register with the Selective Service System for possible military conscription. Now a blue ribbon panel says that obligation should extend to women.
Defense Secretary Esper On Helping With U.S. Coronavirus Response
U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper spoke with NPR's Steve Inskeep on Wednesday on how his department is contributing to the coronavirus response. NPR's Pentagon correspondent reviews the tape.
Amid Pandemic Crisis, U.S. Wages Broader Messaging War With China
The rival powers are going far beyond public health measures as they dive into a Cold War-like game of move and counter-move even as the global contagion spreads.
U.S. 'Disappointed' In Afghan Leadership, Will Slash $1 Billion In Aid, Pompeo Says
The secretary of state's announcement follows meetings in Kabul with Afghanistan's rivals to the presidency, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah. Pompeo said another $1 billion could be cut next year.
'Steaming To Assist,' Mercy Sails To Los Angeles In Coronavirus Hospital Crunch
The hospital ship, designed to treat war casualties, has left port in San Diego for Los Angeles. Its mission: treating patients who do not have COVID-19 to free up hospital beds.
Chief Of National Guard Says It Is Ready For Coronavirus Crisis
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard, about the force being mobilized around the country to help fight the coronavirus outbreak.
What Last Year's Government Simulation Predicted About Today's Pandemic
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with New York Times reporter David Sanger about how "Crimson Contagion," a U.S. government simulation from 2019, predicted weaknesses in handling today's pandemic.