The last US combat brigade exits Iraq early Thursday. And, world aid efforts increase in Pakistan.

Recent study shows brain trauma can mimic symptoms of Lou Gehrig’s disease. And, officials say Karzai blindsided U.S. Embassy with the contractor-ban announcement.

Forty-eight killed, many hurt in suicide attack outside Iraq recruitment center. Also today, President Karzai will issue order to close all private security firms with in four months.

The U.S. backs the Afghan government’s plan to dissolve private security companies. And, at the height of the Iraq war, data suggests hundreds of soldiers were misdiagnosed by the Army and dismissed.

US military to urges Barack Obama to slow down Afghanistan withdrawal. And, WikiLeaks Prepares to Release More Files.

The United States expects heavy fighting around the key Afghan city of Kandahar until late this year. And, claims of civilian deaths spark protest in Afghanistan.

NATO has reached its goal of expanding the size of Afghanistan’s army and police to 240,000 three months ahead of schedule. And, Iran’s army gets four homemade subs.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates laid out plans to rein in Pentagon spending. And, Mullen says the “mission is changing” as the US military shifts it’s focus.

Gen. Chiarelli denies claims that the Army is drugging troops to cope with combat. And, North Korea fired about 110 rounds of artillery Monday near its disputed sea border with South Korea.

Al-Qaida in Iraq are offering cash to lure allies. And, Army says stop-loss is now down to four thousand soldiers.