Policy
War with Syria: The Intersection of Interests and Ideology
In the realm of foreign affairs, it’s rare that a cause unites hawkish interventionists and neoconservatives, realists and liberal internationalists. By James Kitfield
Ideas
In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings
The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi
Ideas
The Battle Between the Air Force and the Air National Guard
The Air Force must stop pretending that it has no choice but to cut the Air National Guard and instead figure out ways to keep capability without being crushed by Congress. By Russell Rumbaugh
Ideas
Drones, Spying, Iraq and the Case Against Military Action in Syria
When it comes to building a case for a strike against Syria, America’s credibility on drones, spying and the invasion of Iraq may get in the way. By Michael Hirsh
Ideas
The Many Challenges of Building an International Military Coalition
Coordinating several militaries with different budgets, capabilities and goals to carry out a strike against Syria isn’t easy. By Kathleen J. McInnis
Ideas
Prospect of War in Syria Rattles Emerging Markets
With Wall Street on edge over the looming military strike against Syria, investors in emerging markets like Turkey and India are rushing for gold and U.S. currencies. By Matt Phillips
Ideas
Pentagon Pivots Within the Pivot, to Southeast Asia
First came the pivot to Asia. Now, there’s the pivot within the pivot. By Kevin Baron
Ideas
Pentagon’s Syria Response Reveals Limits of Prized Cyber, Drone Arsenal
Here’s why the 'clarity' of a 20th century cruise missile strike likely will trump the 'sophistication' of the Pentagon’s 21st century drones and cyber-weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
The War After the War in Syria
The continued fracturing of Syrian fighters threatens any hope for reconstruction once the fighting dies down. By Joshua Foust
Ideas
To Reach the East, NATO Must First Go North
NATO has an opportunity to engage its Asian partners and counterbalance the burgeoning Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic. By Robbie Gramer and Alex Ward
Ideas
Whatever Comes Next, Syria Is Forcing a New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East
President Obama is deciding how to respond in Syria knowing that most Americans are wary of another mess in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron and Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings
The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi
Ideas
Hagel Begins Asian Pivot as the Middle East Burns
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will spend the week setting up what the U.S. hopes to achieve over the next century: driving security in Asia while leading from behind in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron
Ideas
How Badly Did Manning Hurt the United States?
Manning said he was sorry for leaking troves of classified information from Iraq and Afghanistan. But just how much damage did he do? By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Once an Iraqi Interpreter, Now an American Soldier
The American dream -- and the fear of post-war Baghdad -- has led tens of thousands of Iraqi refugees to the U.S. For one former interpreter to the U.S. military, the only way to stay was to join up.
Ideas
Whispers in the Ranks that Iraq Has Turned Obama Isolationist to a Fault
Some in Obama’s diplomatic corps fear the president has “learned all the wrong things from Iraq” -- a deadly lesson for Syria’s rebels. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Just 75 Al Qaeda, Room for the Taliban and Organized Crime. Is This How It Ends in Afghanistan?
The enemy in Afghanistan is “a complex mosaic” and "may continue this fight for many, many years.” By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Why Is the Pentagon Dragging Its Feet on 3D Printing?
Troops in Afghanistan are testing 3D printers on the battlefield, but the military's acquisition process is getting in their way. By Kyle Chayka
Ideas
In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings
The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi
Ideas