STARS AND STRIPES DAILY HEADLINES

December 10, 2016

	Cigars, once banned, fire up troop morale in Afghanistan Military, civilian and contractor members of the Tali-banned Cigar Aficionado Club in Kabul say cigar smoking is more than a nicotine fix. It’s a bond of friendship, an escape from the drudgery of deployed life and a taste of home. A Marine veteran in Congress opposes Mattis' nomination, and reaction is fierce A member of Congress who served as a Marine in Iraq said he has been called "everything you can under the sun" by fellow veterans for his decision to oppose retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis becoming defense secretary, but he stands by his choice. Obama orders review of election hacking  President Barack Obama's order to intelligence officials for a full-scale review of campaign-season cyberattacks met with a cool reception from President-elect Donald Trump, whose transition team said it's "time to move on." Startup dreams lure Vietnamese refugees back The aftermath of the communist victory had a devastating impact on many of its citizens, resulting in a massive displacement of humanity. The nation they have returned to presents a much different face to the one they fled. Adding 200 more troops to Syria, US deepens involvement Drawing the U.S. deeper into the Syria conflict, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Saturday he is sending 200 more troops to accelerate the push on the Islamic State's self-declared capital of Raqqa. Putin's Russia seeks to project power with modern military With an aircraft carrier deployed off Syria's shores and hundreds of new jets, missiles and tanks entering service each year, President Vladimir Putin can project Russian military power on a scale unseen since Soviet times. Guam war reparations waiting on president's signature Legislation that includes reparations for Guam residents who experienced atrocities during World War II is waiting on President Barack Obama's signature. After the Islamic State, Iraq at risk of a new battle for disputed territory Peshmerga Col. Nabi Ahmed Mohammed's force of 300 fighters had been tasked with securing Bashiqa as part of the Iraqi military's offensive against the Islamic State in nearby Mosul. At least eight peshmerga were killed in taking the bombed-out town. Now, Mohammed's men are making plans for a permanent presence there.