Kristen L. Rouse

The release of an American detainee in Kabul is not an abrupt breakthrough, but the outcome of months of quiet, behind-the-scenes negotiations. Kandahar has finally agreed to release one detainee. Importantly, there is no sign at this stage of an immediate plan to free the remaining American detainees. This indicates a deliberate, step-by-step process rather than a comprehensive agreement. The Taliban are acting pragmatically, offering limited concessions while maintaining their leverage. Having experienced detention in Guantanamo Bay themselves, they have learned how to leverage hostage diplomacy as a negotiation tool. This is calculated engagement: progress made carefully, with the Taliban keeping their cards close.

Confirming news that ~1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expecting to deploy to the Middle East in coming days — including a battalion from 1st Brigade, currently the Immediate Response Force, and a HQ element including MG Tegtmeier, sources tell me and @ZcohenCNN Additional elements from 1st Brigade are expecting to join at a later date. The brigade will be the “ready unit” in theater, similar to their deployment in 2020 after Soleimani was killed. cnn.com/2026/03/24/pol…

As a father with young kids and someone who has seen the worst of war and its lasting effects, it pains me to say that I believe we must bring back the military draft… As I say in the piece, “Over the past two decades, something has gone badly wrong with how our country decides to use military force. Presidents have sent troops into harm’s way with thin congressional support, thinner public debate, and no endgame or strategy in sight….” (And) “As someone who believes there are likely compelling cases for confronting Iran or acting in Venezuela, I want those arguments put before the American public, debated in Congress, and treated with a seriousness that requires a clear strategy and a frank case for why American lives are worth the risk.” nydailynews.com/2026/03/23/rev…

Can confirm that there is planning -- not yet approved -- to potentially send a few thousand soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division to Iran, per two officials. This comes after @WashingtonPost first reported earlier this month that the HQ of the 82nd Airborne had abruptly canceled a training exercise, fueling internal speculation it could be involved in any ground operation President Trump approves.

For thousands of years women and men in Afghanistan celebrated Nowruz together. This video from Mazar-e-Sharif, the heartland of the festival, was filmed just before the Taliban’s return. Now the Taliban ban Nowruz celebrations and bar women from public festivities.

“He was here legally and he was a hero, a war veteran…He served the US and very proudly so, and it has given him this death.” independent.co.uk/news/world/ame…

An Afghan father who served with U.S. forces died while in immigration custody after being arrested in North Texas. ICE officials say Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal was detained after two arrests by local authorities on fraud and theft charges. He was not convicted. CBS News’ @CamiloReports spoke with his family.

The already struggling and understaffed World Trade Center Health Program is now having its workers taken away to support ICE operations. (Yes, ICE.) These people were hired to serve the heroic 9/11 first responders, not Trump’s inhumane immigration agenda. They should be returned to their original posts immediately. nydailynews.com/2026/03/14/gut…

Absolutely horrifying and indefensible bombing of a hospital by the Pakistani military in Kabul. There are monsters everywhere.

@kellymnyc Evergreen.

NEW: The number of U.S. troops who have been wounded or injured during the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran now exceeds 200 across seven countries, U.S. officials say, providing the most detailed accounting yet of how American personnel have been put in harm’s way.

BREAKING NEWS | The Pentagon has identified six airmen who died in the March 12 crash of a KC-135 in Iraq: Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky.; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Ind.; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. stripes.com/theaters/us/20…

This. From the daughter of Johnny Spann, a former Marine and CIA operator and the first American killed in action during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

Truly appreciate @nycveterans Commissioner Yesenia Mata taking time to talk with the @5BoroVeterans team that I'm proud to advise. She brings vital community organizing experience + powerful leadership experience as an Army officer. Looking forward to great collaboration ahead.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the man killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University, flew Apache helicopters in Iraq, earned numerous awards for his military service and helped grow the university’s ROTC program enrollment by almost 50% in one year. stripes.com/veterans/2026-…

All Crew Members of U.S. KC-135 Loss in Iraq Confirmed Deceased TAMPA, Fla. – All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

“The bellicose messaging from the administration has been accompanied by a sharp reduction in the number of staff focused on minimizing civilian casualties. At CENTCOM, the number of people working full-time on the issue was cut by two-thirds” @missy_ryan theatlantic.com/national-secur…

interestingly, this is also a schematic map of parents and their cooped-up kids descending on JJ Byrne playground on a weekend morning

SecDef Pete Hegseth on Wednesday: “You can say four weeks, but it could be six, it could be eight, it could be three.”