Rappler's latest stories on Mark Esper
Pentagon chief opposes using active duty troops to quell protests
'I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act,' US Defense Secretary Mark Esper says, two days after President Donald Trump said he could do so to call up the army to quash protests
U.S. defense chief: Terminating VFA 'a move in the wrong direction'
(UPDATED) Losing the Visiting Forces Agreement would be a setback in countering China’s aggression in the Asia Pacific region, says US Defense Secretary Mark Esper
Pentagon contradicts Trump, says attacking Iran cultural sites would be war crime
Trump tweets the US would attack sites 'very high level and important to Iran and the Iranian culture'
Letter on U.S. pullout from Iraq sent by 'mistake'
The head of the US military's Task Force Iraq informed his Iraqi counterparts in a letter dated Sunday, January 5 that troops were preparing to leave
In Manila, U.S. defense chief says ‘assert sovereign rights’ in West PH Sea
Although the US maintains it does not take sides in the sovereignty dispute between the Philippines and China, its defense chief wants smaller countries to pressure the rising power into respecting their rights
U.S. defense chief favors review of 1951 treaty with Philippines
The nearly 70-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US needs to reflect current security threats, including an increasingly powerful China, say both countries' defense secretaries
U.S. defense chief to visit Philippines, meet Lorenzana
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana are expected to discuss 'regional security cooperation to uphold international rules and norms'
U.S. to keep around 600 troops in Syria – Pentagon chief
Pentagon chief Mark Esper says the numbers could fluctuate, particularly if European allies strengthen their presence in the country
ISIS chief Baghdadi buried at sea by U.S. military
The US military basks in success after the eliminating the founder and spiritual guide of the Islamic State group, capping a years-long campaign to crush the Sunni Muslim extremist organization
U.S. troops exiting Syria to stay 'temporarily' in Iraq – Esper
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the US forces are pulling out in phases, and have moved from the 'immediate zone of attack' to a northeastern corridor out of the country
Pentagon chief visits Iraq as U.S. quits northern Syria
Pentagon chief Mark Esper is due to meet his Iraqi counterpart Najah al-Shammari to address concerns among some in the government that the troops might stay in Iraq
No Syria-type pullout planned for Afghanistan – Pentagon chief
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper also hints that some sort of residual US force might remain in Syria to protect oil fields, but stresses no decision has been taken
In bombshell, Trump calls off secret summit, talks with Taliban
(3rd UPDATE) The US President hits the Taliban for claiming responsibility for a deadly car bombing in Kabul amid ongoing peace negotiations
In first press brief, Pentagon chief aims to keep Trump happy
Mark Esper makes clear he will not rock the boat, even given the president's unorthodox policymaking and sharp turns in longstanding US defense principles
Pentagon chief confirms death of Qaeda's Hamza bin Laden
'That's my understanding,' US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says when asked if Hamza bin Laden is dead
Trump's Pentagon nominee quits; Iran targets CIA network
Foreign powers are watching the situation in the Middle East with growing concern as Tehran and Washington exchange warnings about an escalation in their conflict
