Hello from the newsroom,

Today, we will start the show with the question of gays in the military. The Pentagon announced a few hours ago that it was relaxing the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, a rule that prevents gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military.

President Barack Obama had called for the rule to be repealed entirely. This is seen as a step in that direction: it will now be harder to "out" homosexuals in the military and only high-ranking officers will be able to asses if someone has broken the rules.

We will go live to the Pentagon with Barbara Starr and we will take you live to Afghanistan, where Chris Lawrence is on assignment for more reaction to the Pentagon announcement from ordinary soldiers on the ground.

We will also talk to Alex Nicholson, head of Servicemembers United, the largest organization of gay and lesbian troops in America. What does he think of the Pentagon announcement?

Plus, we have a report on the latest purported Osama Bin Laden tape in which a voice threatens America with retaliation if accused 9/11 mastermind Khaled Sheikh Mohammed is put to death. Is it him? Are these messages even relevant anymore?

And big news out of Brussels, France and Germany have struck a deal to bail out Greece. the package is reportedly worth $23 billion. We are waiting for details on what the plan will require Greece to do and who will pay for the rescue package. Jim Boulden will bring us up to date.

Hope you can join us!

See you at the IDesk,

Hala

Posted by: CNN Anchor, Hala Gorani
Filed under: "Don't Ask Don't Tell" •Osama Bin Laden •Today At The I-Desk