Center for a New American Security

Command Post: The Human Toll Taken by a Decade of War

Just how worn out are our troops because of non-stop combat since 9/11? To what degree has that contributed to problems like PTSD, family breakups and suicide in the ranks?  This week, on Command Post, we discuss the tenacity of U.S. troops, as well as the cracks that can appear after a decade of fighting. Margaret Harrell, a military manpower expert at the Center for a New American Security, and Eric Schmitt of the New York Times -- co-author of Counterstrike: The Untold Story of America's Secret Campaign Against al Qaeda, tackle these tough issues. Joining me is John Nagl, CNAS president and retired Army officer.

Counterstrike: The Untold Story Of America's Secret Campaign Against Al Qaeda - Video

On September 8, 2011, CNAS held an inaugural book release party at the Willard InterContinental Hotel for Counterstrike. At the release event, Eric Schmitt and Thom Shanker offered the audience an insider’s look at how the U.S. government has adapted its strategy for fighting terrorism since 2001.

Watch the video of the event here.

Command Post: "How Has U.S. National Security Changed Since 9/11?"

It's hard to believe -- at least for some of us -- that it has been a decade since 9/11. Before then, covering the military meant going out to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, to witness future ways of war that, in hindsight, seem obsolete. For the past decade, the U.S. military -- and indeed, the U.S. itself -- has been consumed with people -- individuals -- who hate us, and are willing to kill themselves to show the depths of their anger-cum-depravity. This week, on Command Post, we're looking into the post-9/11 U.S. national-security mindset with Eric Schmitt of the New York Times -- and co-author of Counterstrike: The Untold Story of America's Secret Campaign Against al Qaeda -- and Margaret Harrell, a military manpower expert with the Center for a New American Security. I'm joined, comme d'habitude, by John Nagl, CNAS's president.

MG Jeffrey Buchanan, USA Discussion on Operation New Dawn: Bridge to an Enduring Partnership - Photos

Iraq has the potential to become a pivotal strategic partner for the United States and its allies in the region. But Iraq is also undergoing its democratic transition and its security situation remains complex and challenging. In light of the impending end of the United States Forces–Iraq mission this December, Major General Jeffrey Buchanan, USA, Director of Strategic Effects for United States Forces-Iraq, visited the Center for a New American Security to speak about the evolving role of the United States in Iraq and the challenges and opportunities for the future of U.S.-Iraq relations amidst a changed Middle East. View photos from the event here.