Policy

Military Compensation Reform Commission Prompts a Divisive Debate

Thursday’s recommendations to overhaul military personnel system will set the stage for scrutiny on an outdated system.

Policy

Rubio Doubles Down on NSA Surveillance Ahead of 2016

The Florida Republican and national security hawk is calling for a permanent extension of the legal framework that allows the NSA to collect bulk U.S. phone metadata. By Dustin Volz

Policy

Obama To Propose Pentagon Spending Boost in 2016

President Barack Obama will send Congress a $585 billion defense spending plan on Monday, that would boost the Pentagon budget to levels not seen since 2012. By Marcus Weisgerber

Policy

Senators Reintroduce Sick Leave Bill for Disabled Vets

The bill, which has bipartisan support, grants sick leave to first-year federal workers who are vets with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30 percent. By Kellie Lunney

Policy

The Netanyahu Disaster

The manner, execution and overall tone-deafness of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent ploy suggest that he doesn’t understand how to manage Israel’s relationships in Washington. By Jeffrey Goldberg

Policy

Iran Sanctions Showdown Is Drawing New Battlelines in Congress

Iran sanctions are pitting hawk against hawk and party against president while aligning hardliners with moderates and libertarians with liberals. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Instability in Yemen Could Delay Guantanamo's Closing

The White House says it will temporarily halt sending its Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo back to a nation very much in flux at the moment. By Kaveh Waddell

Policy

US-Saudi Military Relations Expected To Persist Under King Salman

The new king is the former Saudi defense minister, which should mean steady policy and weapons sales for U.S contractors. By Marcus Weisgerber

Policy

How UN Members Want To Bypass a Security Council Veto

Proposals from France and Brazil reopened a much-needed discussion on how to make the Security Council more responsive to mass atrocities like the Syrian conflict. By Stewart M. Patrick

Policy

India's Stake In Obama's Afghanistan Policy

The future of Afghanistan is among India's top concerns during Obama's New Delhi visit to talk terrorism, immigration, climate change and nuclear liability. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Saudi King Dies Amid Middle East Power Struggle

Amid a new Middle East, King Abdullah's death leaves Saudi Arabia still ruled by elderly heirs. By Adam Chandler

Policy

Top HASC Republican Rebuffs Obama: Syria ‘Still a Bloody Mess’

House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry says the ‘ugly truth’ is there are few good options for defeating the Islamic State and saving Syria. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

The War America Doesn't Want To Own

In his State of the Union adddress, Obama asked Congress and the public to support a campaign that none of them want to own—not even him. By Uri Friedman

Policy

Obama and Congress Approach an Impasse on Iran Sanctions

A potential showdown between Senate Democrats and the White House over Iran could lead to the first successful veto override of President Obama's tenure. By Fawn Johnson

Policy

Republican Lawmakers Try Again To Cut 115,000 Civilian Defense Jobs

Rep. Kevin Calvert, R-Calif., is leading the charge to rein in an 'out of control' bureaucracy and save $82.5 billion over five years. By Eric Katz

Policy

Obama: ‘Shadow of Crisis Has Passed’ As It Hangs Over US Foreign Policy

Under fire after security crises across the globe, President Obama takes the toughest line in American politics: stay the course. Is it the right one? By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

Special Report: The State of Defense 2015

As President Obama prepares to give his State of the Union speech, Defense One takes a closer look at the nation's military and the state of defense.

Policy

How America's National Security Hawks Empowered Iran

Invading Iraq didn't strengthen America's hand with Tehran. In fact, it did just the opposite. By Conor Friedersdorf

Policy

Obama, GOP Agree the US Needs New War Powers To Fight ISIS

During a meeting with congressional leaders Tuesday, the only real progress came on Syria, with Obama pledging to work on a use of force resolution. By Alex Brown

Policy

GOP Leaders Say Romney ‘Vindicated’ on National Security

McCain, Ayotte and Portman say Romney has been ‘vindicated’ on foreign policy, but withhold endorsements as governor seeks national security credibility. By Molly O’Toole