Policy

Defense Secretary: Plan to Close Guantanamo Is A ‘Constructive Step’

Ash Carter says he’s working with the White House on a plan that will be submitted “per longstanding request” to Congress, calling it a “good opportunity” to see if they “can actually get it done.”

Policy

Democrats' Opposition to GOP Defense Bill Is Slowly Crumbling

Democratic leaders now say they're willing to allow 'yes' votes on a critical defense authorization bill next week, even if the measure includes a controversial war funding account.

Policy

White House, Ash Carter Drafting a Guantanamo Closure Plan for Congress, McCain Says

Sen. John McCain says Defense Secretary Ash Carter and White House counterterrorism official Lisa Monaco are working on a plan to close the prison, while he works for the Senate’s approval.

Policy

What the Pentagon Sees in India—And Vice Versa

Not that long ago, Washington and New Delhi were deeply suspicious of one another. Now, they're talking about collaborating on an aircraft carrier and weapons production.

Policy

Rick Perry Will Be Banking on His Military Service in 2016

The former Texas Governor will use it to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Policy

Expect Up to 10 Guantanamo Transfers Within Weeks

While the Senate debates freezing such transfers and keeping the prison open indefinitely, defense officials are laying plans to send inmates elsewhere.

Policy

3 Ways To Boost the US-Vietnam Security Relationship

After a successful visit by Defense Secretary Ash Carter, it's not a question whether the U.S. can improve its ties with Vietnam, but how to best do it.

Policy

The White House's Game Plan for Iraq: Run Out the Clock

The administration's messaging on its Iraq strategy has basically been: No ground troops—at least until 2016—so stop asking.

Policy

Senate Passes NSA Reform Bill

The USA Freedom Act, which will restore but reform the expired Patriot Act's spy authorities, earned final passage Tuesday and will be sent to the president.

Policy

House Appropriations Committee: Congress Must Consider Authorizing War Against ISIS

In a surprise move, the House panel that sets defense spending declared that lawmakers must debate whether to allow President Obama to use military force against the terrorist group.

Policy

Is Egypt Stable? Is That Even The Right Question?

Whether or not Egypt’s new political order will exist from 12 months to five years from now hinges more on the durability of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi than any any temporary calm.

Policy

Lindsey Graham’s Long National-Security Resume Won’t Get Him to the White House

In a GOP field full of hawks, it’s tough to establish yourself as a national security standout — even for the South Carolina senator and Air Force lawyer.

Policy

GOP View Rand Paul as National Security Distraction in March to 2016

The presidential hopeful got what he wanted—expiration of the Patriot Act—but he alienated a lot of people along the way.

Policy

Meet Joe Heck, the GOP One-Star General Who Could Take Reid's Senate Seat

Military experience? Check. Small business owner? Check. Physician? Check. Congressional leadership? Check. Winning record in swing district? Check. National security election? Double check.

Policy

Why Won't the GOP Declare War on ISIS?

Republican presidential candidates delight in slamming Obama's strategy, but won't vote on legislation to define the scope of the struggle.

Policy

No. 2 Senate Democrat Wants US-Enforced Safe Zones In Syria

Sen. Dick Durbin has made it his lonely mission to push for humanitarian safe zones in Syria. The anti-war Democrat knows it would take international force to protect them, but he believes that’s necessary to prevent another Rwanda.

Policy

What Is Rand Paul's NSA Endgame?

With days to go before the Patriot Act expires, the Kentucky Republican could kill the agency’s domestic-phone spying — or save it.

Policy

What a Major Arms Control Treaty Teaches Us About the Iran Deal

Nearly 50 years of the Non-Proliferation Treaty have proven one thing — multilateral agreements can work to make the world safer.

Policy

Exasperated White House Pushes Senate To Pass Surveillance Reform Bill

Without naming Rand Paul, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest faulted the Kentucky Republican for holding up legislation.

Policy

What President Obama Thinks on Iraq, Iran and Israel

Obama speaks about the state of U.S. policy in the Middle East in a wide ranging interview with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg.