Ideas

Why Turkey Chose, and Then Rejected, a Chinese Air-Defense Missile

Ankara's decisions say a lot about what Turkey wants from the U.S. and NATO, if only the West will listen.

Ideas

The Hawkeye State Sours on Hawkish Republicans

Four years ago, Iowans rewarded the neocon-inflected campaigns of Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney. This year, four of the top five finishers are critics of unnecessary interventions.

Ideas

Want an Alternative to ISIS? Look to Tunisia

The Islamic State offers a false choice between dictatorship and extremism. Tunisia proves there’s a better way.

Ideas

Bring the Troops Home — From Sinai

Your first question is likely: 'We have American soldiers deployed in Egypt?'

Ideas

Death of the GRU Commander

An American general remembers Russia's complex military intelligence chief, who shaped the Ukraine incursion — and worked hard to bridge the East-West gap.

Ideas

The Americans Who Volunteer to Fight ISIS

'A lot of people come over here thinking they’re going to be Rambo. It’s not like that.'

Ideas

Want Peace in Syria? Put Women at the Negotiating Table

That’s what the Balkan experience tells us, say current and former British and US ambassadors.

Ideas

Here's Why the UN Sat on Its Hands During 5 Years of War in Syria

The 'great power' origins and recent deadly failings of the power of veto inside the U.N. Security Council.

Ideas

The Arab Spring's Aftermath, in 7 Minutes

A look at where Libya, Syria, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, and Tunisia stand now.

Ideas

That 'Wasteful' Task Force? You're Not Getting the Full Story

In Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s Task Force for Business and Stability Operations fostered helpful investment — and pioneered an essential component of future missions.

Ideas

How ISIS Appeals to Converts — and Ex-Criminals

Understanding both sides is key to figuring out how to slow recruitment.

Ideas

The Intelligence Community Must Remove Barriers to Minority Recruitment

National security demands a more diverse workforce to understand the world, but several things stand in the way.

Ideas

Drone Pilots Are Breaking the Old Definitions of Valor

Traditional notions of heroism don't always leave room for those U.S. troops engaged in high-tech, cutting edge warfare.

Ideas

We’re Long Overdue for Due Diligence in Defense

Defense Secretary Carter deserves applause for cutting the Navy’s LCS, and encouragement to think more broadly.

Ideas

Who Really Lost Iraq?

Obama didn’t turn victory into defeat. There was no victory.

Ideas

The US-Iran Conflict That Never Happened

One upside of talking to enemies.

Ideas

The Diplomat-in-Chief Hits a National Security Trifecta

If Barack Obama were a Republican, Congress would have already named an airport after him.

Ideas

In an Era of Cheap Drones, US Can’t Afford Exquisite Weapons

Various technological advances are about to make hundred-drone swarms a reality, and a nightmare for today’s top-of-the-line weapons.

Ideas

Obama Is About To Launch A New Nuclear Arms Race. There’s a Better Way.

Despite his anti-nuclear words, the president is about to cave to the nuclear arms priesthood.

Ideas

Obama's Legacy: Limited Force, Limited Influence, Lingering Questions of What America Should Be

Obama’s long-view for the Middle East stands little chance of playing out as Americans — and events — cry for the U.S. to do more.