In military news, new figures show the number of openly gay and lesbian servicemembers discharged from the military under “don’t ask, don’t tell” dropped sharply last year. Critics say the figures show the Pentagon is abandoning the policy not because it’s discriminatory, but because of the need for more troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Around 600 gay and lesbian troops were dismissed last year — fewer than half the number let go in 2001. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network spokesperson Steve Ralls said: “It is hypocritical that the Pentagon seems to retain gay and lesbian service members when they need them most, and fires them when it believes they are expendable.” The news comes as General Peter Pace, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has refused to apologize for calling homosexuality “immoral.” Pace says he regrets making the comments but stands by his beliefs.