Ideas
Four Ways the US Can Help the African Union Stand on Its Own
A united and capable Africa appeals to both regional players and Washington, which increasingly views violence within Africa’s many fragile states as enabling conditions for terrorists with growing global ambitions. By Stewart M. Patrick
Ideas
How Many Flying Hours Does It Take To Kill a Terrorist?
Why is the Marine Corps so afraid of my simple idea? By Todd Harrison
Ideas
Stop Fearing Iran and Back the Free Syrian Army
The Free Syrian Army has done everything the U.S. has asked of them. It’s time to help them before it’s too late. By Oubai Shahbandar and Michael Pregent
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Does America Really Need To Be the Leader of the Free World?
An MIT professor and a war veteran discuss whether the U.S. should respond to every crisis that pops up across the globe. By Scott Beauchamp
Ideas
Why the US Is Losing Yemen
The challenge of Yemen is far more complicated than finding a favored partner to do Washington’s bidding. By Adam Baron
Ideas
No More Russian Engines on American Rockets
From Russian rocket engines to Chinese rare earths, it’s time the Defense Department stop promoting foreign dependence as industry policy. By Rep. Duncan Hunter
Ideas
The ‘Brass Ceiling’ Is Still Alive and Well in the US Military
A key lawsuit that fights for women in combat is still moving through the courts. By Greg Jacob
Ideas
The Last Thing the US Needs are Mobile Nuclear Missiles
The Air Force is wrong. The U.S. didn’t need a mobile ICBM during the Cold War and it doesn’t need one now. By Tom Z. Collina and Jacob Marx
Ideas
Is There a Better Way To Observe Veterans Day?
Other countries offer models for truly nationwide tributes to military service and sacrifice. By Edward Delman
Ideas
Look Deeper, The Asia Pivot Isn’t Dead
The administration would do well to promote the U.S. government’s real work being done in Asia beyond ceremonies. By John R. Deni
Ideas
Improve the VA by Keeping It Simple
Cultural change at the VA has to go beyond the necessary initial focus on ethics and values. It needs to penetrate the bureaucracy. By Alex Nicholson
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How Three Veterans Uncovered the Iraq War's Biggest Untold Story
Abandoned Iraqi chemical weapons wounded at least 600 U.S. soldiers. Telling their stories would be no easy feat. By Alex Horton
Ideas
General Dempsey on How Americans Can Serve Together With Veterans
It’s time to move beyond yellow ribbons and welcome home ceremonies to a deeper understanding of those who have volunteered to wear the uniform. By Gen. Martin Dempsey
Ideas
These Are the Marines' Biggest Challenges, 239 Years Later
The Marines’ mission in Helmand Province just ended and the Corps just got its 36th commandant. Here's what lies ahead for the force. By Stephen Liszewski
Ideas
Here's What Has Been Done To Improve Military Relations With China
Recent progress and cooperation between U.S. and Chinese navies is encouraging. By Vice Adm. Robert Thomas
Ideas
What Congress Can Do To Restore the Balance of Power With China
Congress needs to focus on China and stop relying on the Pentagon and think tanks. By Rep. J. Randy Forbes
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Straight Talk on the South China Sea
If the U.S. really cares about China’s territorial claims, now is the time to say it. By Vikram Singh and Ely Ratner
Ideas
3 Ways Obama Expanded War Powers Well Beyond George W. Bush
Here are three precedents set by the Obama administration that make it even easier to use lethal force abroad without congressional approval. By Conor Friedersdorf
Ideas
How the US Can Turn the GCC Into a Lasting Military Alliance
The Islamic State has achieved one thing: it got the GCC to agree on something. Now, can the U.S. make it last? By Melissa G. Dalton
Ideas