Iraqi soldier fires in U.S. troops, killing two. And, despite mounting pressure, Florida Minister still plans to burn copies of Quran.

Vets Using Watchdogs Against PTSD

Falling asleep in the commons room at Brook Army Medical Center was all the evidence Jim Stanek needed that he should get a dog.

Feds: Hostage-Taker Threatened Obama

SAVANNAH, Georgia — A former Soldier accused of demanding mental treatment as he took hostages at gunpoint at a Georgia Army hospital later told investigators he planned to kill President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton, federal prosecutors said in court documents filed Tuesday.

Iraqi Soldier Fires on US Troops, Kills 2

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi soldier fired a barrage of bullets at American troops protecting one of their commanders during a visit to an Iraqi army base Tuesday and killed two of them, the first U.S. servicemen to die since President Obama declared an end to combat operations in the country last week.

U.S. offensive expected in home district of Afghan Taliban leader
ASHEQUE, Afghanistan — Zhari, the birthplace of the Taliban movement and once again a major stronghold of the Taliban insurgency, looks set to become a battle zone where some 2,400 U.S. troops will lead an attempt to reclaim the region for the Afghan government.

Fla. minister: Sept. 11 Quran burn still planned

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The leader of a small Florida church that espouses anti-Islam philosophy said Wednesday he was determined to go through with his plan to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11, despite pressure from the White House, religious leaders and others to call it off.

Petraeus: Burning Quran Endangers Troops

KABUL, Afghanistan — The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan warned Tuesday an American church’s threat to burn copies of the Muslim holy book could endanger U.S. troops in the country and Americans worldwide.

Lacking Money and Leadership, Push for Taliban Defectors Stalls

KABUL, Afghanistan — A $250 million program to lure low-level Taliban fighters away from the insurgency has stalled, with Afghans bickering over who should run it, and international donors slow to put up the money they had promised.

Ex-GI Takes 3 Hostage at Post Hospital

SAVANNAH, Ga. — A former Army soldier seeking help for mental problems at a Georgia military hospital took three workers hostage at gunpoint Monday before authorities persuaded him to surrender.

Music Therapy Helps Vets Control Symptoms of PTSD

The khaki colored Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in southern New Jersey doesn’t look extraordinary from the outside. The parking lot’s too small and the building isn’t impressive either—just a simple one-story structure with a utilitarian blue awning to keep veterans out of the elements as they enter and exit the James J. Howard Outpatient Clinic. But inside, there’s some groundbreaking healing going on, specifically in the psychiatry ward. This morning, 15 Vietnam War veterans are in the group therapy room. They all have their eyes on a woman in a deep red skirt suit and pumps known around the clinic as “The Violin Doc.”

Al-Qaida in Iraq Turns to Extortion

Al-Qaida has increasingly turned to extortion and organized crime to fund its activities, with businesses bearing the brunt of intimidation, U.S. and Iraqi commanders in northern Iraq told AFP.