US Marines – The large outbreak of malaria among Marines who spent time ashore in the West African nation of Liberia in the summer was apparently caused by a nearly wholesale failure of the troops to follow protective measures, and in particular not taking a once-a-week malaria-preventing drug.

• Washington Post: Malaria Outbreak Blamed on Troops

Background – Iraq – Thomas Ricks looks at the pros and cons of the latest U.S. exit strategy from Iraq.

• Washington Post: Reduction in U.S. Troops Eyed for ’04

Background – History – US and Soviet naval forces nearly clashed at sea while Israeli and Arab forces fought the Yom Kippur war.

• Sea Power: Superpower Showdown in the Mediterranean, 1973