Blog post

IAVA Daily Brief 08.24.09
Posted by Michael Houston on August 24

Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA.  Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking?  Follow us on Twitter @iavapressroom.

MUST READS

1) U.S. Military Says Its Force in Afghanistan Is Insufficient
 
Top American military commanders in Afghanistan this weekend told Richard Holbrooke, President Obama’s special representative to the region, that they do not have enough troops to do their job, and have been pushed past their limit by Taliban forces.  The assessments come as Gen Stanley MChrystal works to complete a major war strategy review, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, described a worsen situation, despite a recent troop increase.  On MSNBC’s Meet the Press Sunday, Adm. Mullen emphasized his concern, but commitment to move forward. “And so certainly the numbers are of concern.  That said, the president's given me and the American military a mission, and, and that focuses on a new strategy, new leadership, and we're moving very much in that direction.”
 
2) Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules
            
Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs is taking steps to assist Veterans seeking compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
 
The VA is publishing a proposed regulation today in the Federal Register to make it easier for a Veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by reducing the evidence needed if the stressor claimed by a veteran is “related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.”   Under the new rule, the VA would not require corroboration of a stressor if a VA psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the stressful experience recalled by a veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD and if symptoms match the claim.
 
AFGHANISTAN

Partial results from Thursday’s second-ever presidential election are expected to be released on Tuesday, as President Hamid Karzai and chief rival and former foreign Abdullah Abdullah both continue to claim the lead.  
 
Violence continues as an Afghan journalist was shot dead in north-west Pakistan. Janullah Hashimzada, the bureau chief in Preshawar for Afghanistan’s Shamshad TV channel, was returning from Afghanistan when he was ambushed.  No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.  
 
IRAQ

A new coalition of major Shiite parties has excluded Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a development that will most likely force the prime minister to join forces with non-traditional allies if he seeks to keep his job after parliamentary elections in January. The new coalition, if remained intact, would secure a majority of seats by leaders with deep ties to Iran, and would likely curb American influence as troops continue to withdraw.  
 
At Lake Habbaniya, Iraqis – Sunni and Shiite alike – had a chance to enjoy an afternoon of swimming, eating, and music. The long, sandy beach, located in the Sunni Arab heartland of Anbar Province, was once a stronghold for Al Qaeda.  But with increases in security, the lake now provides a short escape from the ailing living conditions and violence that plague the county.  
 
MILITARY AFFAIRS

In an interview this weekend on Fox News Sunday, Jim Towey, director of faith-based initiatives during the administration of George W. Bush, criticized the Veterans Administration for using a booklet called “Your Life, Your Choices.”  The book is said to help injured veterans decide which medical treatments they should choice, but has taken criticism by those calling it the “death book” for asking questions such as “What makes your life worth living?” Also joining Fox News Sunday, Tammy Duckworth countered the criticism by stating the booklet was pulled of shelves in 2007 and that the Obama administration “has been revising it and telling medical practitioners not to use it.” However, the booklet is still available for download online.  Towey is also the author of competing book on end-of-life discussions, available for purchase for $5.  
 
A military investigation into the suicide of Pvt. Keiffer Wilhelm, an Ohio solider in Iraq, has revealed that cruelty and maltreatment by other soldiers may have played a part in the suicide.  Four soldiers have been charged with cruelty and maltreatments of subordinates, among other charges.
 
The American Legion kicked off their annual national convention in Louisville this past Friday.  Speakers this week will include Janet Napolitano, secretary of homeland security; Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. David Patraeus, commanding general of the US Central Command, and former commanding general of US forces in Iraq; Gen. Eric Shinseki, secretary of veterans affairs; and Bob Filner, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.  
 
INSIDE WASHINGTON

Congress is in recess until September 8th.

CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE
THE SENATE

The Senate is on recess until September 8th.

FUTURE COMMITTEE HEARINGS of INTEREST

August 28, 2009 - SVAC will conduct a field hearing on the state of VA's services on Maui, to include an OIG report of the same.  10:00 a.m.; Maui Cultural Center (Vasquez)
 
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House is on recess until September 8th.
 
A wide-range of views, positions, and publications are represented in these articles. These views, positions and publications are not endorsed by nor do they necessarily represent the views of IAVA.

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