Policy
Trump Orders Halt to ‘Catch and Release,’ But There’s a Catch
Ending the practice of releasing illegal border crossers before they can be deported is easier said than done.
Science & Tech
Border Officers: Real Security is More Complicated Than Building a Wall
Trump’s order notwithstanding, it would take years and new technology to truly close the border.
Policy
Trump’s First Budget Could Be A Unique Mix of Severe Cuts and Increased Spending
New presidents typically unveil a broad budget plan in February, and a more detailed version in the spring.
Policy
One Last Trip With Joe Biden
How the vice president spent a few of his closing days in office.
Ideas
No Turning Back? First Woman Makes Army’s Elite 75th Ranger Regiment, Big Step For Women in Combat
One woman just made it that much harder for anyone to argue women don't belong in America's most elite combat positions.
Business
The Complicated Relationship Between John McCain and Frank Kendall
The Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer for the past five years says he’s lowered the cost of arms, but the watchdog senator never seemed satisfied.
Policy
Can James Mattis Protect Trump From Hubris?
The president-elect and the risks of overconfidence.
Ideas
SPECIAL REPORT: The Military Loves the Obama Doctrine. Can It Survive Trump?
Commanders say they’re already fighting ISIS the right way: “by, with, and through” local forces.
Policy
Why Is Obama Expanding Surveillance Powers Right Before He Leaves Office?
It could be to prevent Trump from extending them even more.
Policy
Trump Has Considerable Authority to Revamp the Intelligence Community
But the the 2004 law that created the Office of the Director of National Intelligence creates some hurdles as well.
Ideas
Still Fighting, US Troops from Syria to Afghanistan Await Trump Orders
Special operators move ahead with plans for the press to Raqqa, but uncertainty clouds US war plans.
Policy
How Putin is Using Populist Movements Against the West
It’s time to decide what goals should guide American foreign policy in the 21st century, and what allies are needed to advance them.
Policy
Intelligence Chief Sets High Expectations For Next Week’s Hacking Report
James Clapper promises more details of Russian influence operations aimed at U.S. election.
Ideas
As Trump's Foreign Policy Emerges, Watch His Temperament in Washington
By what Trump has shown, even where there's policy continuity the world will see Washington as more erratic and less reliable.
Science & Tech
Is This the Accidental Mastermind in the DNC Hack?
The White House’s new list of sanctioned Russians includes a young Moscow-based hacker, much to her professed surprise.
Policy
Tracking Trump’s National-Security Conflicts of Interest
A global business empire raises the question: is the president’s foreign policy serving America’s interests or his own?
Ideas
Trump’s Bid to Remove NATO Official Could Easily Backfire on the US
A strong alliance needs strong staff, like Rose Gottemoeller.
Ideas
Trump, Taiwan, and The Fantasy of a Phone Call
China will fight back. Taiwan’s backers should never forget that.
Policy