Defense Secretary Robert Gates is objecting “in the strongest terms” to an Associated Press decision to transmit a photograph showing a mortally wounded 21-year-old Marine in his final moments of life, calling the decision “appalling” and a breach of “common decency.”

The AP reported that the Marine’s father had asked – in an interview and in a follow-up phone call — that the image, taken by an embedded photographer, not be published.

Just across the Atlantic is one of Europe's unsung gems. While many tourist flock to Europe every year, Portugal is often the odd man out in most tours of the continent; a shame, as Portugal is easily one of the best travel destinations throughout Europe.

Regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in South America, it does not disappoint. Hike the fabled Incan ruins cast onto the mountaintops of the Peruvian frontier and you will see why millions descend on Machu Picchu each year.