C.J. Chivers's Blog

The Risky Missile Systems That Syria’s Rebels Believe They Need

A potential menace to military and civilian aircraft alike, heat-seeking, shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles are a modern version of the proverbial sword that cuts two ways.

In Syria, Cluster Munitions Takes Its Toll

C.J. Chivers reports from Maraa, Syria, on the government's use of cluster munitions against civilians in what appears to be collective punishment.

Possible Score for Syrian Rebels: Pictures Show Advanced Missile Systems

New photographs appear to show Syrian rebels holding at least two new-generation Manpads -- shoulder-fired antiaircraft missile systems.

An Experiment That Could Put Women in More Combat Jobs

No one seriously doubts whether women can fight, kill or share the risks, pains and sacrifices with men. But no one knows what full-bore service as a female grunt would look like. That is about to change.

Confronting a False Meme: Libya’s Deadly ‘Stinger Equivalents’

The meme asserting otherwise began in earnest Sept. 7 with a post on a CNN blog that the network broadcast as an exclusive. The headline read, “Libyan Missiles Looted.”

Confronting a False Meme: Libya's Deadly 'Stinger Equivalents'

The meme asserting otherwise began in earnest Sept. 7 with a post on a CNN blog that the network broadcast as an exclusive. The headline read, "Libyan Missiles Looted."

Confronting a False Meme: Libya's Deadly 'Stinger-Equivalents'

The meme asserting otherwise began in earnest last Sept. 7 with a post on a CNN blog that the network broadcast as an exclusive. The headline read "Libyan Missiles Looted."

The Taliban, in Their Own Verse

A new anthology of insurgent poetry, just published in Britain, is being received with both appreciation and anger. The poems themselves show how the Taliban's public bravado and severe Islamic code are sometimes at odds with its fighters' ruminations.

Remembering the Dead: New Names for a Wall That Keeps Growing

In Florida, a tribute in bronze pays homage to explosive ordnance disposal technicians, a special group within the military that has lost 289 members since 1942.

A Short History of Blood Chits: Greetings From the Lost, Seeking Help

A look at blood chits, a little-known program designed to help service members lost or stranded in foreign territory find their way to safety.