Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'gen'

A Resolute Blagojevich Names Senate Replacement

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named former State Atty. Gen. Ronald Burris yesterday as his pick to replace President-elect Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. Some see the move as a slap in the face to critics who want the governor to resign, following federal allegations that he once planned to sell the senate appointment to the highest bidder. NPR's Ken Rudin and Mary Mitchell, of the Chicago-Sun Times, discuss the reaction.

Gen. Washington's Delaware Crossing Still Inspires

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:48:00 EST

President Bush and President-elect Obama each made mention this week of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware. Gen. Washington crossed the river on Dec. 25, 1776. The next day, the British suffered a major defeat in the Battle of Trenton. Historian David McCullough says it was a time when the Revolutionary War looked lost to Washington's men.

The Challenges Facing The Next VA Secretary

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:55:00 EST

Andrea Seabrook looks back at the moment that thrust Gen. Eric Shinseki into the spotlight: his prewar call to send far more troops into Iraq. She also speaks to Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Dana Priest, who broke the story of the deplorable conditions for veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, about the challenges Shinseki faces at the VA.

Obama Nominates Shinseki To Lead VA

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST

President-elect Barack Obama on Sunday introduced retired Gen. Eric Shinseki as his choice to run the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Obama's charge to Shinseki: Help veterans facing problems like drug abuse, homelessness and poor health care.

Rumsfeld Nemesis To Be Named VA Secretary

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

President-elect Barack Obama has chosen retired Gen. Eric Shinseki to be his secretary of Veterans Affairs. Shinseki upset the Bush Administration early in the Iraq war when he testified that several hundred thousand more U.S. troops would be needed following the invasion.

Gen. McKiernan Sheds Light On Afghan Ops

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST

Gen. David McKiernan, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, talks about the operations in Afghanistan.

Obama Names Gen. Jones As Security Adviser

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST

President-elect Barack Obama has named General James Jones as national security adviser. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) discusses hiw longtime friend's personality and national security outlook.

A Look At Likely Pick For National Security Adviser

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST

It appears likely president-elect Barack Obama will tap Gen. James Jones as his national security adviser. Jones previously served as supreme allied commander of NATO. Former NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson offers his insight on Jones.

Military's First Female Four-Star General

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST

The Army now has the first woman four-star general in the history of the American armed forces. Gen. Ann Dunwoody grew up in an Army family — her father served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Now, his daughter will lead the Army Materiel Command.

Former General Sounds Off On Obama's Iraq Plan

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:23:00 EST

Gen. Jack Keane, former Army vice chief of staff, oversaw military operations in Iraq during the U.S. invasion. He talks about president-elect Barack Obama's plan to end the war. Keane says the focus now should be on achieving the goal of the mission, not getting out.

Will Obama Sign-Off On New Afghan Strategy...

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:00:00 EST

President-elect Barack Obama will have to grapple with conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will have to decide whether to negotiate with members of the Taliban as a way of stemming the violence in Afghanistan. The idea is supported by the new chief of the U.S. Central Command, Gen. David Petraeus, who used a similar tactic as part of a broader strategy in Iraq.

In Congo, Aid Groups Resume Activity

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:56:00 EDT

In eastern Congo, a cease-fire declared two days ago by rebel Gen. Luarent Nkunda seems to be holding, but his fighters control access to the city of Goma. Humanitarian organizations have resumed operations in Goma and the surrounding countryside where many city dwellers fled during the fighting.

'Clear And Hold' Showing Results 40 Years Later

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:05:00 EDT

On Oct. 31, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson ordered a halt in bombing missions over Vietnam, implementing Gen. Creighton Abrams' "clear and hold" strategy. Today that counterinsurgency strategy is showing some promise in Iraq.

Political Junkie: Funds, Ads, Powell And Plumbers

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:35:00 EDT

In this week's edition of the Political Junkie, listeners and guests weigh in on Obama's record-breaking fund raising and Gen. Colin Powell's endorsement of the Democratic presidential nominee. Also: McCain's relationship with "Joe the Plumber."

Pittsburgh Celebrates 250 Years

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Pittsburgh kicks off its semiquincentennial this weekend. The city was founded 250 years ago by Gen. John Forbes and his sidekick, a young colonel named George Washington.

Gen. Petraeus Ends Time In Iraq With Handover

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:03:00 EDT

Gen. David Petraeus has handed over control of U.S. forces in Iraq to his longtime deputy, and headed back home where he will take charge of U.S. Central Command, with responsibility for the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

An Update On U.S. Operations In Afghanistan

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:11:00 EDT

The area of Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan has been a hotbed of insurgent attacks. It has also been the launching point for Americans firing unmanned drones into the tribal areas of northwest Pakistan. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser talks with Renee Montagne about the security situation in eastern Afghanistan. He commands thousands of American soldiers along Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.

New Orleans Bruised But Not Broken By Gustav

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, talks with Renee Montage about the emergency response to Hurricane Gustav. The Corps is tracking the water levels and monitoring communication among other federal and state agencies, local levee boards and liaisons with all 13 coastal parishes.

New Chief Aims To Restore Air Force's Reputation

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:25:00 EDT

Gen. Norton Schwartz is a man in line with Defense Secretary Robert Gates' vision of the Air Force. Unlike his fired predecessor, Schwartz isn't reluctant to send Air Force officers and more intelligence and surveillance to Iraq.

Inside HBO's 'The Black List'

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:23:00 EDT

The term, "black list," once defined Communist investigations by the U.S. government in the 1950s. But now, an HBO documentary is redefining that term. The Black List is a documentary with 22 prominent black Americans — from Gen. Colin Power to erotica writer Zane — having their say.

Suicide Bombers Hit Pakistani Arms Factory

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Suicide bombers have killed 67 people at Pakistan's largest arms factory. One of the country's deadliest terror attacks is adding to the turmoil that's threatening to tear apart the ruling coalition now that Pervez Musharraf has quit as president. Steve Inskeep discusses the situation with retired Gen. Talat Masood, a defense and political analysts in Islamabad.

Pakistani Envoy Sees New Phase For Terror War

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EDT

The departure of Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, will aid the fight against terrorism, according to Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States. "Unfortunately, there was no chemistry between Gen. Musharraf and President Karzai," Haqqani said. But NATO troops will still be kept out of Pakistan, he said.

Russia Says It Has Begun Georgia Withdrawal

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:25:00 EDT

Russian forces have begun to withdraw from conflict areas in Georgia in accordance with a peace plan, Col.-Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn of Russia's General Staff said Monday.

How Successful Was The Surge...

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The troop surge of 2007 was extremely controversial. Now that it's over, questions remain about how successful the tactic was. We speak with retired Gen. Jack Keane, one of the original architects of the surge.

Air Force Nominees Vow To Restore Trust

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EDT

The two Air Force officials picked to replace the service's ousted leadership say they'll work to restore trust. Michael Donley, nominee for secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, nominated for Air Force chief of staff, appeared before a Senate panel.