President George W. Bush stands in the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York and speaks to workers involved in the cleanup effort on Sept. 14, 2001. Doug Mills/AP hide caption toggle caption Doug Mills/AP President George W. Bush stands in the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York and speaks to workers involved in the cleanup effort on Sept. 14, 2001. Doug Mills/AP As President George W. Bush flew back to Washington on Air Force One on Sept. 11, he was accompanied by Michael Morell, the CIA officer who briefed the president daily. Morell was in […]
Greg Myre
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Afghan families gather after leaving their homeland and reaching the Pakistan side of the border, near the town of Chaman on Tuesday. Pakistan and other countries bordering Afghanistan have mostly closed their borders to Afghan refugees, with some exceptions. AP hide caption toggle caption AP When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a former Afghan army colonel named Mohammed became part of the massive crush of people trying to flee at the Kabul airport last week. Mohammed and his family — a wife and five children — waited for hours to reach a Taliban checkpoint outside the airport. He presented identification […]
With just days to go before the U.S. completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan, a look at how the 20 year old war began and ended – with the militant Taliban in power, and terrorist suicide attacks. Source link
CIA Director William J. Burns, seen here in his office in Langley, Va., met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday, according to a U.S. official. Ian Morton/NPR hide caption toggle caption Ian Morton/NPR CIA Director William J. Burns, seen here in his office in Langley, Va., met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday, according to a U.S. official. Ian Morton/NPR CIA Director William Burns met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Tuesday that his group […]
Murals are seen along the walls at a quiet US embassy on July 30, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Paula Bronstein/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Paula Bronstein/Getty Images Murals are seen along the walls at a quiet US embassy on July 30, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Paula Bronstein/Getty Images A memo obtained by NPR, lays out the emergency preparations being made at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to leave the country. Most will be evacuated by 3,000 US troops on their way to Kabul to ensure a safe and orderly departure. The Embassy will be evacuated and a very small consular […]
In an image from video footage from 2015, an unexplained object is seen at center as it soars among the clouds, traveling against the wind. “There’s a whole fleet of them,” a naval aviator tells another, though only one indistinct object is shown. Department of Defense via AP hide caption toggle caption Department of Defense via AP In an image from video footage from 2015, an unexplained object is seen at center as it soars among the clouds, traveling against the wind. “There’s a whole fleet of them,” a naval aviator tells another, though only one indistinct object is shown. Department […]
At their summit in Geneva on Wednesday, President Biden told Russian leader Vladimir Putin that the U.S. would strike back if it keeps getting hit with cyber attacks. “Responsible countries need to take action against criminals who conduct ransomware activities on their territory,” Biden said. Patrick Semansky/AP hide caption toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP At their summit in Geneva on Wednesday, President Biden told Russian leader Vladimir Putin that the U.S. would strike back if it keeps getting hit with cyber attacks. “Responsible countries need to take action against criminals who conduct ransomware activities on their territory,” Biden said. Patrick Semansky/AP If […]
Three tech executives confer before testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee in February about an attack on U.S. government computers blamed on Russia. They are FireEye CEO Kevin Mandia (left), SolarWinds CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna (center) and Microsoft President Brad Smith. In the wake of multiple hacks, the Biden administration is searching for ways to stop them. Demetrius Freeman/AP hide caption toggle caption Demetrius Freeman/AP Three tech executives confer before testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee in February about an attack on U.S. government computers blamed on Russia. They are FireEye CEO Kevin Mandia (left), SolarWinds CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna (center) and Microsoft […]
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (center) reviews an honor guard at Afghanistan’s presidential palace in Kabul on March 21. President Biden says all U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan by September, though the Americans will still assist from “over the horizon.” AP hide caption toggle caption AP U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (center) reviews an honor guard at Afghanistan’s presidential palace in Kabul on March 21. President Biden says all U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan by September, though the Americans will still assist from “over the horizon.” AP President Biden and his Pentagon chiefs say the U.S. will assist Afghanistan’s military from […]
Cuban leader Fidel Castro (right) and his brother Raúl Castro, the head of the military, at a 1964 event in Santiago, Cuba. New details of the first CIA attempt to kill the Castros — a 1960 plot against Raúl — have recently emerged. AP hide caption toggle caption AP Cuban leader Fidel Castro (right) and his brother Raúl Castro, the head of the military, at a 1964 event in Santiago, Cuba. New details of the first CIA attempt to kill the Castros — a 1960 plot against Raúl — have recently emerged. AP Exploding cigars. Poisoned pens. Booby-trapped seashells. These were […]
Avril Haines, the new director of national intelligence, released a declassified report Friday that says Saudi Arabia’s crown prince was responsible for a 2018 killing of a prominent journalist. Haines spoke to NPR in her first interview since taking office last month. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR Avril Haines, the new director of national intelligence, released a declassified report Friday that says Saudi Arabia’s crown prince was responsible for a 2018 killing of a prominent journalist. Haines spoke to NPR in her first interview since taking office last month. Claire Harbage/NPR As the top U.S. intelligence official for […]
People hold posters of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, near the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul, marking the two-year anniversary of his death last October. Emrah Gurel/AP hide caption toggle caption Emrah Gurel/AP People hold posters of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, near the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul, marking the two-year anniversary of his death last October. Emrah Gurel/AP The Biden administration is expected to release a report soon that addresses the key question in the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi: what role, if any, did Saudi Arabia’s crown prince have in the death? If the report by the […]
William Burns, President Biden’s nominee for CIA director, testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. Burns served more than 30 years at the State Department and would be the first career diplomat to lead the spy agency. Tom Williams/AP hide caption toggle caption Tom Williams/AP William Burns, President Biden’s nominee for CIA director, testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. Burns served more than 30 years at the State Department and would be the first career diplomat to lead the spy agency. Tom Williams/AP President Biden’s nominee to lead the CIA, William Burns, spent more than three decades as […]
Visitors walk past the giant word “Data” during the Guiyang International Big Data Expo 2016 in southwestern China. China says it’s determined to be a leader in using artificial intelligence to sort through big data. U.S. officials say the Chinese efforts include the collection of hundreds of millions of records on U.S. citizens. The photo was released by China’s Xinhua News Agency. AP hide caption toggle caption AP Visitors walk past the giant word “Data” during the Guiyang International Big Data Expo 2016 in southwestern China. China says it’s determined to be a leader in using artificial intelligence to sort through […]
Researchers have used crowdsourcing to scrutinize video and photos from the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, and have identified some of those who took part. The researchers have shared their information with law enforcement. Jose Luis Magana/AP hide caption toggle caption Jose Luis Magana/AP Researchers have used crowdsourcing to scrutinize video and photos from the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, and have identified some of those who took part. The researchers have shared their information with law enforcement. Jose Luis Magana/AP The riot at the Capitol appeared to be almost all chaos and anarchy. But as private […]
Armed with pro-Trump banners, the rioters far outnumbered and swiftly overwhelmed the Capitol Police as they charged up the steps, smashed windows, broke into the Senate chamber and occupied offices. (Image credit: Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) Source link
Dr. Jonas E. Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine, reads with his wife and three boys in Ann Arbor, Mich., on April 11, 1955. The boys were among the first vaccinated during testing. The family was photographed the night before an announcement the vaccine was effective. Pictured from left are Jonathan, 5; Donna Salk; Peter, 11; Salk; and Darrell, 8. AP hide caption toggle caption AP Dr. Jonas E. Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine, reads with his wife and three boys in Ann Arbor, Mich., on April 11, 1955. The boys were among the first vaccinated during testing. The family […]
Kevin Mandia, CEO of the cybersecurity firm FireEye, testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2017. Mandia’s company was the first to sound the alarm about the massive hack of government agencies and private companies on Dec. 8. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption toggle caption Susan Walsh/AP Kevin Mandia, CEO of the cybersecurity firm FireEye, testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2017. Mandia’s company was the first to sound the alarm about the massive hack of government agencies and private companies on Dec. 8. Susan Walsh/AP The first word that hackers had carried out a highly sophisticated intrusion into U.S. computer […]
A car drives past the U.S. Embassy in Havana in 2019. Dozens of Americans working at U.S. diplomatic missions in Cuba and China have suffered from ailments that included headaches, balance problems and memory loss in recent years. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP hide caption toggle caption Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP A car drives past the U.S. Embassy in Havana in 2019. Dozens of Americans working at U.S. diplomatic missions in Cuba and China have suffered from ailments that included headaches, balance problems and memory loss in recent years. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Microwave radiation is the “most plausible” cause of migraines, dizziness, memory loss […]
President Bill Clinton applauds as Air Force pilot Scott O’Grady is welcomed home on June 12, 1995, at the Pentagon. O’Grady’s F-16 was shot down on a mission over Bosnia and survived in the woods for six days before being rescued. President Trump recently nominated O’Grady for a senior Pentagon job, though O’Grady has been endorsing baseless conspiracy theories related to the election. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption toggle caption J. Scott Applewhite/AP President Bill Clinton applauds as Air Force pilot Scott O’Grady is welcomed home on June 12, 1995, at the Pentagon. O’Grady’s F-16 was shot down on a mission […]
The President’s Daily Briefing is the top-secret intelligence report presented to the president every weekday. By tradition, the briefing is also offered to presidents-elect, though officials say this hasn’t happened yet with Joe Biden. Damian Dovarganes/AP hide caption toggle caption Damian Dovarganes/AP The President’s Daily Briefing is the top-secret intelligence report presented to the president every weekday. By tradition, the briefing is also offered to presidents-elect, though officials say this hasn’t happened yet with Joe Biden. Damian Dovarganes/AP As president-elect, Joe Biden should start receiving the same daily intelligence briefing as the one prepared for President Trump. But so far, this […]
A State Department report on Russian online operations to promote conspiracy theories and misinformation. Some analysts also warn of “perception hacks,” when relatively small-scale hacks are uncovered and then widely discussed by government officials, news organizations and on social media. Jon Elswick/AP hide caption toggle caption Jon Elswick/AP A State Department report on Russian online operations to promote conspiracy theories and misinformation. Some analysts also warn of “perception hacks,” when relatively small-scale hacks are uncovered and then widely discussed by government officials, news organizations and on social media. Jon Elswick/AP A Russian group acquired U.S. voter data in at least a […]
FBI Director Christopher Wray, testifies before the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee on Sept. 24. Wray and other national security officials say they’ve taken extensive safeguards to protect this year’s election. This message is often in sharp contrast with President Trump, who has repeatedly questioned the integrity of the vote. Tom Williams/AP hide caption toggle caption Tom Williams/AP FBI Director Christopher Wray, testifies before the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee on Sept. 24. Wray and other national security officials say they’ve taken extensive safeguards to protect this year’s election. This message is often in sharp contrast with President Trump, who has repeatedly questioned […]
Dr. Sean Conley, physician to President Trump, talks with reporters at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption toggle caption Evan Vucci/AP Dr. Sean Conley, physician to President Trump, talks with reporters at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday. Evan Vucci/AP Dr. Sean Conley, who’s treating President Trump’s case of COVID-19, is the latest in a long line of active-duty military officers who have been in charge of treating presidents. “Over the past 24 hours, the president has continued to improve,” Dr. Conley said Monday afternoon at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, […]
The Senate and House intelligence committees say the director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, has agreed to resume face-to-face briefings on threats to the November election. Ratcliffe said last month he was canceling the briefings because the information was leaked to the media. He’s shown here at his confirmation hearing in May. Gabriella Demczuk/AP hide caption toggle caption Gabriella Demczuk/AP The Senate and House intelligence committees say the director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, has agreed to resume face-to-face briefings on threats to the November election. Ratcliffe said last month he was canceling the briefings because the information was leaked to […]
Former FBI Agent Ali Soufan, shown here in New York in 2018, interrogated many al-Qaida suspects after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Soufan’s 2011 book on that topic, The Black Banners, included many redactions. A new version was released this week without the redactions. Hector Retamal /AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Hector Retamal /AFP via Getty Images Former FBI Agent Ali Soufan, shown here in New York in 2018, interrogated many al-Qaida suspects after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Soufan’s 2011 book on that topic, The Black Banners, included many redactions. A new version was released this week […]
Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, speaks at DHS headquarters on Wednesday. A DHS official has filed a formal whistleblower complaint alleging that Wolf told him to stop reporting on Russian threats to the November election. DHS says the allegation is false. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption toggle caption Susan Walsh/AP Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, speaks at DHS headquarters on Wednesday. A DHS official has filed a formal whistleblower complaint alleging that Wolf told him to stop reporting on Russian threats to the November election. DHS says the allegation is […]
U.S. troops in the Vietnam War read the Stars and Stripes newspaper in 1969. The Pentagon plans to shut down the paper, for generations aimed at U.S. military personnel, at the end of this month. Godfrey/AP hide caption toggle caption Godfrey/AP U.S. troops in the Vietnam War read the Stars and Stripes newspaper in 1969. The Pentagon plans to shut down the paper, for generations aimed at U.S. military personnel, at the end of this month. Godfrey/AP The Pentagon ordered the closure of the venerable military newspaper Stars and Stripes on Friday. But hours later, President Trump tweeted that he wouldn’t […]
The former director of the National Security Agency, Adm. Mike Rogers, tells NPR that in the run-up to the 2016 election he wishes “we had taken more direct, more public action (against Russia) sooner as opposed to doing so after the election.” He’s shown here in 2014. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP hide caption toggle caption Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP The former director of the National Security Agency, Adm. Mike Rogers, tells NPR that in the run-up to the 2016 election he wishes “we had taken more direct, more public action (against Russia) sooner as opposed to doing so after the election.” He’s shown […]
Russian President Vladimir Putin (second from left) meets military officials, including Igor Kostyukov (far right), the deputy chief of military intelligence, the GRU. The 2018 event in Moscow marked the centenary of the GRU, which has been involved in many major operations in recent years. U.S. intelligence suspects of the GRU of involvement in a reported bounty program in Afghanistan. Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP hide caption toggle caption Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP Russian President Vladimir Putin (second from left) meets military officials, including Igor Kostyukov (far right), the deputy chief of military intelligence, the GRU. The 2018 […]
U.S. Marines in Afghanistan’s Helmand province in 2018. The U.S. intelligence community is assessing reports that Russia set up a bounty program to pay the Taliban to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan. President Trump says he was told about the intelligence until after it appeared in the media. Massoud Hossaini/AP hide caption toggle caption Massoud Hossaini/AP U.S. Marines in Afghanistan’s Helmand province in 2018. The U.S. intelligence community is assessing reports that Russia set up a bounty program to pay the Taliban to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan. President Trump says he was told about the intelligence until after it appeared […]
Janis Shinwari takes his oath Monday as a naturalized U.S. citizen in a ceremony in Fairfax, Va. He worked eight years as an Afghan interpreter with the U.S. military in his homeland, and was credited with saving the lives of five U.S. troops. Greg Myre/NPR hide caption toggle caption Greg Myre/NPR Janis Shinwari takes his oath Monday as a naturalized U.S. citizen in a ceremony in Fairfax, Va. He worked eight years as an Afghan interpreter with the U.S. military in his homeland, and was credited with saving the lives of five U.S. troops. Greg Myre/NPR Many immigrants have inspiring stories. […]
Demonstrator Aaron Covington shakes hands with National Guard troops and DEA police at a protest in Washington on Saturday over the death of George Floyd. President Trump announced that the National Guard forces would be pulling out of the nation’s capital after several days of peaceful demonstrations. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP Demonstrator Aaron Covington shakes hands with National Guard troops and DEA police at a protest in Washington on Saturday over the death of George Floyd. President Trump announced that the National Guard forces would be pulling out of the nation’s capital after several days of peaceful […]
Demonstrator Aaron Covington shakes hands with National Guard troops and DEA police at a protest in Washington on Saturday over the death of George Floyd. President Trump announced that the National Guard forces would be pulling out of the nation’s capital after several days of peaceful demonstrations. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP Demonstrator Aaron Covington shakes hands with National Guard troops and DEA police at a protest in Washington on Saturday over the death of George Floyd. President Trump announced that the National Guard forces would be pulling out of the nation’s capital after several days of peaceful […]
A pharmacist gives Jennifer Haller a shot in the first-stage safety clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19 on March 16 at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. U.S. officials say they are already seeing efforts by foreign actors to steal information from U.S. firms working on a vaccine and treatments for the virus. Ted S. Warren/AP hide caption toggle caption Ted S. Warren/AP A pharmacist gives Jennifer Haller a shot in the first-stage safety clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19 on March 16 at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. U.S. […]