Blog post

IAVA Daily Brief 8.16.10
Posted by Blake Henderson on August 16 2010

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 or subscribe at www.IAVA.org/DailyNewsBrief.

MUST READS

1) Hundreds of PTSD soldiers likely misdiagnosed
 
At the height of the Iraq war, the Army routinely fired hundreds of soldiers for having a personality disorder when they were more likely suffering from the traumatic stresses of war.  Advocates for veterans say an unknown number of troops still unfairly bear the stigma of a personality disorder, making them ineligible for military health care and other benefits.
 
2) Opinion: Overlooked cost of the war: veteran's benefits
 
Recent research puts the lifetime cost of benefits for our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at $663 billion. However, when Congress appropriates money for the war, it doesn't include the cost of providing post-military health care and disability payments to men and women who risk their lives for us.
 
3) A reason for optimism in diagnosing, treating TBI
 
Studies using new brain-imaging technology have shown that blasts produce a more diffuse pattern of damage, and that brain cells stay inflamed longer after a blast-related concussion than a normal one.
 
AFGHANISTAN

• General David Petraeus said he sees 'areas of progress' in the war, but it was still unclear if President Barack Obama's goal of starting to pull out troop in July 2011 could be met.
• The New York Times Editorial Board questions the strategy of the war in Afghanistan, while maintaining the importance of the US mission there.
• Tommy Sowers, an Army veteran and candidate for Congress in Missouri, discusses the challenges of the massive costs of maintaining the Afghan security forces after the United States leaves.

IRAQ

• The flow of oil from Iraq to Iran has raised some questions about the relationship between the two countries and the legality of the oil sales.
• Roadside bombs, booby-trapped cars and hit-and-run attacks reverberated across Iraq on Sunday, another violent day following insurgents' threats to escalate their attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
• Gunmen killed six Iraqi security personnel Saturday, including a pair of sleeping policemen who were shot and set on fire, at a time of persistent debate over whether Iraqi forces can protect the country as U.S. troops leave.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

• A soldier leaving active duty discusses the importance, influence and role of spouses on military families.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

• Senator Kerry says Congress is growing concerned about corruption in Afghanistan and that he plans to raise the issue directly with President Hamid Karzai during a visit to Kabul this week.

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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