Top Military News Headlines | July 13, 2010

A new study finds toxic metals in dust in Afghanistan that may cause respiratory problems and brain damage. Also today, the DADT federal court case begins.

Rogue Afghan Soldier Kills 3 British Troops

KABUL, Afghanistan — A rogue Afghan soldier fired a rocket-propelled grenade into a group of international forces early Tuesday, killing three British troops, a military spokesman said. Four others were wounded.

DADT Federal Court Case Begins Today

SAN DIEGO — A Republican gay rights group frustrated with the Obama administration’s failure to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law that requires gay military members to keep quiet about their orientation is challenging the policy’s constitutionality in federal court.

Report: Afghan civilian deaths up

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) – Nearly six Afghan civilians a day were killed and eight wounded in “conflict-related incidents” through the first half of 2010, the Afghanistan Rights Monitor watchdog group said in a report Monday.

Study finds toxic metals in dust in Afghanistan

A new Navy study suggests that dust from Afghanistan contains metals that may cause respiratory problems and brain damage.

Senators question if BP played role in Pan Am bomber’s release

A group of U.S. lawmakers have called for an investigation into whether BP may have played a role in lobbying for the release of Abdel Basset al Megrahi to secure an oil contract with the Libyan government.

VA to Make PTSD Claims Easier

President Barack Obama is expected to announce today plans to make it easier for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to make their case for care and compensation.

Missing Iranian researcher takes refuge in Pakistani embassy

A missing Iranian researcher, whom Tehran claimed was abducted by the CIA, has taken refuge in the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, a senior U.S. official confirmed to CNN Tuesday.

When women set themselves on fire

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has documented a total of 103 women who set themselves on fire between March 2009 and March 2010. No one knows what the real numbers are, given the difficulty of collecting data in the country.