Policy
Why Leaking Transcripts of Trump's Calls Is So Dangerous
When the president’s opponents violate norms to undermine him, they do lasting damage to American security.
Policy
Border State Lawmakers Propose a 'Smart' Wall
The group wants radar technology, drones and cameras to make up big chunks of Trump’s proposed border wall.
Policy
Pentagon Tightens Rules After Fake Cops Buy $1.2M in Weapons
A sting operation run by the Government Accountability Office revealed a number of loopholes that bad actors could use to buy excess military arms and equipment through the 1033 program.
Policy
Trump’s Transgender Troop Ban Sparks An Instant Opposition of Unusual Allies
The commander in chief tweet-declares a stunning change for military personnel, but it’s far from clear he can make it stick.
Policy
Annual Defense Bill Aims to Rein in Pentagon Outsourcing
Supporters say measure would protect federal employees from seeing their jobs contracted out.
Policy
The Dangerous Politicization of the US Military
By asking active duty personnel to lobby Congress in their own self-interest, President Trump crossed an important line.
Policy
Why John McCain Matters More than the GOP Realizes
Without McCain, Republicans have no clear leader on defense issues. Not that they ever listen to him, anyway.
Policy
Cuts Proposed for Key Cybersecurity Agency
House Appropriations Committee reduces but retains White House cuts to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Policy
Mattis on 2018 Budget: ‘We Have Got to Get a Bill Passed’
Congress is working up budgets that bust spending caps, with little evidence of a deal to avoid automatic cuts.
Ideas
The Next Battle: State Department, US Military Divided Over Kurdish Fighters In Syria (And Russia)
Frustrated sources on the ground say the State Department is struggling to get behind the Syrian Kurds and the U.S. military would struggle to proceed without them. As for Russia, well...
Policy
As Trump and Putin Met, US and UK Defense Chiefs Discussed Ways to Deter Russia
While one part of Trump’s executive branch looks to improve relations with Moscow, another prepares for the worst.
Ideas
North Korea Just Called Trump's Bluff. Here's What the US Can Do
Now that Kim Jong-Un has an ICBM, it's time for 'the least of the bad options.'
Policy
Departing Air Force Undersecretary Warns of Budget Uncertainty
Lisa Disbrow says the Air Force needs stable funding to better connect its planes, protect its satellites and buy more aircraft.
Policy
Senate Defense Bill Bans Russian Anti-virus Software, Splits CIO Duties
The bill would reform how the Pentagon manages internal cybersecurity.
Policy
US Lawmakers Call for Space Force, Boost to Military Drills in Europe
The House and Senate Armed Services committees want the Pentagon to better prepare for war in space, but there’s disagreement on how to do it.
Ideas
Cherry Picking Intelligence For War in the Middle East? Here We Go Again
Will Trump follow the Bush playbook and start a war with Iran?
Ideas
Calm Your Russia War Drums Over This ‘Deconfliction Line’
Yes, the fight is hotter. But we were told this was coming, US and Russian leaders are deconflicting aplenty, and nobody wants war.
Science & Tech
What's the 'Risk' in China's Investments in US Artificial Intelligence? New Bill Aims to Find Out
Senator's proposal to give feds new powers protect an American technological advantage has more than a few critics.
Policy
Inside the West Wing Tug-of-War Over Russia and Ukraine
The president has been all over the map on Ukraine. The people around him have been much more consistent.
Policy