Ideas
The White House Doctor and the Dual-Officeholding Ban
Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson’s appointment reinvigorates the debate over the proper relationship between the military and the government.
Ideas
New Transgender Policy Is Grounded in Common Sense
It allows qualified individuals to serve, and excludes only those for whom the stresses of military life present unacceptable risk.
Science & Tech
Russian Military Chief Lays Out the Kremlin’s High-Tech War Plans
Robotics, artificial intelligence, and a willingness to strike the enemy’s non-military targets will figure in the country’s future strategies.
Ideas
A Deal with North Korea Won't Happen Without China
How Kim Jong-Un's surprise visit to Beijing underscores China’s influence.
Threats
Is Peace on the Horizon for Afghanistan?
An offer of talks by the Ghani government was met with silence from the Taliban. That, in itself, could be a good sign.
Ideas
China Is Filling the Africa-Sized Gap in US Strategy
While U.S. troops fight terror groups, Beijing is locking up supplies of raw materials key to the future of defense.
Threats
Trump's 'Good Relationship' With Russia Is Slipping Away
By shuttering a consulate and expelling 60 diplomats in response to the spy poisoning in Britain, he’s taken a remarkably hard line against Putin.
Business
Mattis to Military: You Have Your Money. Spend It Wisely
The defense secretary warns “results and accountability matter in every expenditure.”
Policy
Where’s the New Transgender Troops Ban Headed? Look at the Travel Ban Fight
Like Trump’s effort to bar visitors from several Mideast countries, a long legal battle awaits the newest limits on who can serve in uniform.
Threats
In the Era of Fake News, VOA Is Fact-Checking Russia’s Messages
The agency’s Polygraph.info is desk expanding its “disinformation news” coverage.
Ideas
Putin Finally Went Too Far
The unified international response to the Skripal poisoning shows that the West will only suffer so much provocation.
Ideas
To Learn How to Protect America From Digital Threats, Look to Europe
European nations are charting the way, adopting whole-of-society methods for dealing with this new challenge.
Policy
F-35 Sale to Taiwan Not Worth the ‘Risk,’ Experts Warn
As the Trump administration takes an aggressive stance on China, senators push an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter deal with Taiwan.
Ideas
John Bolton Is Misunderstood
The actual track record of Trump’s next national-security adviser offers cause for cautious optimism.
Defense Systems
Navy reorg eliminates CIO office
Navy Undersecretary Thomas Modly announced his new role as Navy CIO, collapsing the previous office that oversaw IT guidance for the Marine Corps and Navy.
Defense Systems