Policy
McCain Blocks Top Pentagon Civilian Picks
The key Republican flexed his legislative muscle, calling answers from Bob Work and Christine Wormuth 'nonsensical.' By Sara Sorcher
Policy
Meet the New Guard at the Pentagon
The Senate Armed Services Committee is considering the nominations of several top posts at the Pentagon. Here’s a look at who are they are. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Obama to Karzai: We’re Making Plans to Leave Afghanistan
On a rare phone call to the Afghan leader, President Obama warns that the U.S. is fully prepared to leave Afghanistan if a post-2014 troop deal isn’t signed. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Moving U.S.-German Relations Past the NSA Headlines
Despite recent headlines about Snowden and spying, U.S.-German interests remain in lockstep from Afghanistan to Syria, Iran and now the Ukraine. By Tara Sonenshine
Business
Pentagon’s Post-War Budget Marks End of War Era
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel previews the first budget in 13 years for a military no longer on a ‘war footing.’ By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
The Pentagon Is Picking an Unnecessary Fight With Congress
The Defense Department needs to downsize and streamline, but President Obama’s sassy spending request only will make it harder to achieve some good. By James Joyner
Business
The Winners and Losers in Obama's Defense Spending Request
Here's what makes the cut, according to Secretary Hagel’s budget request preview. By Sara Sorcher and Jordain Carney
Policy
For Obama, Few Options in Syria
President Obama said there is no military solution for Syria, but sources say counterterrorism ops and direct arms are back on the menu of lousy options. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Business
5 Things You Need to Know About the Next Defense Budget
Here's what you need to know before the fiscal year 2015 budget is released on March 4. By Sara Sorcher
Policy
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Is Ignoring Hagel’s Calls
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has been calling Ukraine’s defense minister for days, but no one’s answering. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Will Ukraine Become a Proxy War Between U.S. and Russia?
The main reason the U.S. cares about the violence in Ukraine? Vladimir Putin. By Matt Vasilogambros
Business
Military Families Are Using Food Stamps More Than Ever
Members of the military redeemed almost $104 million worth of food stamps at commissaries in fiscal year 2013. By Eric Katz
Policy
Poll: 49 Percent of Americans Think Afghan War Was a Mistake
It's a significant change since 2002, when 93 percent of Americans supported the war in Afghanistan. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Complicated Vote Sends Simple Message from Congress: Don't Mess With Vets
Senators voted overwhelmingly to restore $6 billion in proposed veterans' benefit cuts, but paid with further sequester offsets. By Stacy Kaper
Policy
Report Card: The State of Syrian Peace Talks
The Stimson Center's Mona Yacoubian breaks down the Geneva talks and Syria's chances for peace. By Bernard Gwertzman
Business
Think Tanks' Dream Defense Budgets Defeat China, But Not Politics
In a gaming exercise, Washington’s premier think tanks don’t even try to thwart the biggest threat of all: political gridlock. By Kevin Baron
Policy
Secretary of State John Kerry Is Back on Twitter
Formerly one of Congress's most colorful tweeters, Secretary of State John Kerry has his own Twitter account again. By Sara Sorcher
Policy
How Obama Won the War on Iran Sanctions
The president is getting a chance to make negotiations with Iran work. By Stacy Kaper
Ideas
Joe Biden Was Right About Dividing Iraq
The former senator took a lot of grief for saying Iraq should be partitioned. He might just get the last laugh. By James Kitfield
Policy