By Charles Hoskinson

OBAMA MAKES AN UNUSUAL VISIT TO THE PENTAGON TODAY to unveil a new U.S. defense strategy designed to protect national security [gut the militaries capabilities] while saving up to $1 trillion [to pay for his core supporters social programs]over 10 years from planned spending.

[No need for ground troops? Tell that to the men and women actually on the ground!]

At least 24 people were killed and dozens of others wounded in a series of bombings targeting Iraq’s Shia. The bombings are likely to increase sectarian tensions, which already were reaching a boiling point from the political standoff between the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite, and Sunni Arab politicians from a rival party that erupted on the heels of the U.S. troop withdrawal. http://bit.ly/ADsKXs

IN THE NORTH ARABIAN SEA off the coast of Iran, it was business as usual for the crew of the USS John C. Stennis as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high. C.J. Chivers from the New York Times was aboard and has the story here: http://nyti.ms/yh0121

Pakistan Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is making his first visit to China today in recent years, during which he’ll discuss the U.S.-Pakistani relationship and increased cooperation, a military official told the Express Tribune. “We want to take our relationship with China to the next level,” a security official told the daily. http://bit.ly/zEvB9q

IN AFGHANISTAN, Afghan and coalition troops shut down an IED factory after discovering it Wednesday while on patrol in Musa Qal’ah district of Helmand province, ISAF spokesman Lt. Gregory Keeley tells us. The troops found about 250 pounds of ammonium nitrate, 220 feet of detonation cord, 36 main charges, 21 pressure plates and 45 power sources. All were destroyed, along with the building, Keeley said.

Boeing announced Wednesday that it will close a facility in Wichita, Kan., that makes military tankers, laying off more than 2,160 workers, because “the site does not have enough sustainable business on the horizon to create an affordable cost structure to maintain and win new business.,” the company said. http://bit.ly/AhL99C

And ARMY OFFICIALS ARE EXPLORING possible disciplinary action against a reservist who appeared in uniform on national television at a rally for GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul in Iowa. Col. Jesse Thorsen’s appearance may have violated rules against wearing the uniform while engaging in partisan political activity. Leo Shane III of Stars and Stripes has the story here: http://1.usa.gov/yAzkRy

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