Ideas

When Allies Become Enemies (Before the War is Over), Obama's ISIS Plan Has Another Problem

The U.S. wanted Turkish and Kurdish fighters to fight, but not fight each other. Now the administration is scrambling to keep local allies with their own interests focused on America's goal: defeating ISIS.

Ideas

Three Takeaways from Carter’s Recent Meeting with His Indian Counterpart

A long-awaited agreement finally clears the way for logistics cooperation. Just don’t call it 'basing.’

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A Former General's Case Against Trump

The GOP nominee would undermine values that strengthen the U.S. military, says the Army's first female three-star.

Ideas

Violently Ousting Assad Won't Solve Anything in Syria

It is hardly surprising to hear calls for more U.S. action, but what happens next?

Ideas

It’s Time: The US Should Create A No-Fly Zone, Deliver Aid — and Save Syria

The act of alleviating human suffering may fuel a new dynamic that ultimately begins to change the course of the war.

Ideas

Turkey Won't Solve Its ISIS Problem By Invading Syria

Erdogan launched an intervention in Syria, while gutting his own government's ability to confront the problem at home.

Ideas

How Obama Is Enabling the Next President to Launch Illegal Wars

If his administration gets its way, it would be even easier for future commanders in chief to take military action without approval from Congress.

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Al-Qaeda's War on America Just Entered Its Third Decade

Two decades ago, Osama bin Laden officially launched al-Qaeda’s struggle against the United States. Neither side has won.

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‘Autonomy’: A Smart Overview of the Pentagon’s Robotic Plans

But the long-awaited Defense Science Board study tiptoes around the question of armed autonomous systems.

Ideas

When Campaigns Smear Generals and Intelligence Officers

I worked with Gen. Allen and CIA Deputy Director Mike Morell. They deserve better than personal attacks and campaign lies.

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The U.S. Should Contain ISIS and Move On

It’s a wiser choice than the ‘destroy IS’ or ‘smash-and-leave’ options.

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Don't Dismantle the VA

Veterans care should not become a profit-making enterprise that serves no one better than its financial backers.

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The Biden Doctrine

Has the vice president made a lasting contribution in foreign policy?

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What You Need to Know About Aleppo

Because of the city’s importance to all parties in the conflict, fighting between rebels, ISIS and the Russia-Syria-Iran alliance is only expected to escalate.

Ideas

Why is America Still Saying 'Never Again' About Terrorism?

Despite an administration change and major shifts in national security, the federal government is still taking a maximalist approach to policy.

Ideas

The Death of Hope in Syria

“I don’t think anyone can help us,” one of the last doctors in Aleppo says.

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Trump is Wrong About the Intelligence Community

Presidential candidates should refrain from uninformed and baseless claims that only undermine intelligence professionals.

Ideas

Keeping America's Principles In the Age of Terrorism

Our security should be judged not only by the absence of major attacks but by America’s commitment to the Constitution.

Ideas

India's Modi Pokes Pakistan Over Contested Afghan-Border Region

India's prime minister is making waves for claiming he's received warmly by folks in Balochistan, which Pakistan struggles to secure.

Ideas

We Welcome China In Djibouti, Just As We Welcomed The West

Djibouti’s foreign minister pushes back on assertions China is elbowing Americans out of the strategic East African footprint.