Judge questions Pentagon's new press rules, calls them Kafkaesque

A federal judge criticized parts of the Pentagon's revamped press policy as 'weird' and Kafkaesque, partially striking down the old policy while considering the New York Times' bid to force compliance after its reporters had their credentials revoked; the hearing focused on access to press space, escorted entry, and the potential chilling effect of anonymity provisions, with the government arguing the policy aims to curb leaks and journalists contending it infringes First Amendment rights. A ruling on the Times' motion remains pending and the court asked for a briefing on the policy's legal basis.