FAILURE in Afghanistan would mean a Taliban takeover of the country and “have severe consequences for the United States and the world”, Defence Secretary Robert Gates said yesterday as the Obama administration set out to sell its new war strategy on Capitol Hill.

An Irish commander of the EU peacekeeping mission in Chad will receive France’s highest honour.

The two Irish soldiers injured in yesterday’s incident in Lebanon have been named as Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) John McCormack and Company Sergeant (C/S) David Williams.

The visit of US Joint Chief of Staff Richard Myers to Dublin today has been condemned by the Irish anti-war community.

GENERAL William Westmoreland, who commanded US troops in the Vietnam War, has died aged 91.

Syrian special forces joined Lebanese troops today at a Lebanese air base near the Syrian border, and shouted “long live Bashar!” in homage to the Syrian leader, as they prepared for a farewell ceremony marking the end of Syria’s 29-year military involvement with its smaller neighbour.

THE prospects for the Defence Forces next year look very bleak if funding cuts of recent years continue, the Chief of Staff warned.

A SEVERE shortage of army doctors available for overseas duty could force the Defence Forces to seek outside tenders for vital medical services.

COALITION forces have taken custody of the Iraqi scientist known as ‘Dr Germ’ for her work in creating weapons-grade anthrax, according to Pentagon officials, who said they also had initial field reports that the head of Saddam Hussein’s military has been captured.

Extra gardaí and Army back-up are to be deployed at Shannon Airport to tackle the security threat at the airportp.

Venezuela's military leadership has forced President Hugo Chavez to resign after 13 people died following a day of violence.

The Defence Forces Chief of Staff has rejected out of hand reports that female Army, Navy and Aer Corps members are being bullied and sexually harassed.