Ideas

To End America’s War in Afghanistan, US Troops Can’t Leave Yet

Walking away out of frustration — especially during peace talks — is as empty a strategy as doubling down out of optimism.

Threats

Kenya Base ‘Surprisingly’ Undefended During Attack, US Officials Say

The Jan. 5. attack by al-Shabaab killed three Americans came as the Pentagon considers a further drawdown of its African presence.

Policy

DOD Is Punishing Whistleblowers More Often and with Impunity, IG Says

Lawmakers and advocates say Trump's attacks on the whistleblower that kicked off his impeachment will do long-lasting harm.

Ideas

The US Navy Needs More Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchells

The service must create ways to retain and use…not the reckless flyboy of 1986, but the experienced aviator of 2020.

Ideas

Today’s Arctic Diplomacy Can’t Handle Tomorrow’s Problems

A new forum is needed to address military and security issues in the region.

Science & Tech

Pentagon Seeks a Way to Shoot Down Putin’s ‘Invincible’ Hypersonic Missiles

A $13 million DARPA contract will get Northrop working on the problem.

Business

Lockheed Has Best Year Ever, And Expects a Better 2020 

Three years of defense spending increases show as the company’s sales hit nearly $60 billion.

Science & Tech

US Army Sleuths Seek Social-Media Search Services

The Criminal Investigation Command is looking to tap into social media sites for digital evidence.

Ideas

Great Powers Must Talk to Each Other About AI

Even as they compete, major militaries have reason to cooperate: to avoid misunderstanding and to establish best practices and pragmatic parameters.

Policy

Here’s what Ukraine’s New Ambassador Is Asking from the US

Yelchenko intends to stress Crimea in meeting with Pompeo, who reportedly said Americans don’t care about Ukraine.

Science & Tech

Spies Like AI: The Future of Artificial Intelligence for the US Intelligence Community

Putting AI to its broadest use in national defense will mean hardening it against attack.

Ideas

We Can End Our Endless Wars

America should end its military involvement in conflicts in the Middle East and bring our troops home.

Ideas

A Call to Inaction on Defense Acquisition Law

The best thing Congress could do for a while is stop passing new legislation.

Ideas

Why Does the US Spend So Much on Defense?

It is well to remember that the real bill includes not just DOD spending but VA, intelligence, and more. But those who would cut spending must also propose a new strategy.

Ideas

The Case for Repealing, and Not Replacing, the Iraq War Authorization

It should be a top priority for Congress to correct its historic blunder of passing the buck when it comes to war and peace.

Ideas

America Has Come Full Circle in the Middle East

“We are opening a Pandora’s Box,” Dwight Eisenhower warned when he ordered the first U.S. combat mission in the region. Little did he know how right he would be.

Threats

34 Injured in Iran Attack, Pentagon Now Says; Launches a Review of Reporting Procedures

SecDef Mark Esper ordered a review of “processes for tracking and reporting injuries” after criticism in the wake of the Iranian missile attack.