Ideas
The Reason China Isn't Backing Russia's Ukraine Invasion? Money
By now, it's clear Beijing believes its economic interests in Ukraine outweigh any reason to back Putin's folly -- for now. By Elizabeth Economy
Policy
Pentagon Wants to Keep Controversial War Budget Beyond Afghanistan
The war in Afghanistan is winding down, but the Pentagon hopes its war budget goes on. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Congress Must Be Willing to Do More With Less Defense Spending
Those who think America spends too much for national defense are as mistaken as those who think that larger defense budget numbers translate into strong security. By Rep. Duncan Hunter
Policy
Obama Says the 'Window Is Closing' for a Mideast Peace Deal
In an interview with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, President Obama discusses Iran, Syria and urgency of a Mideast peace deal. By Matt Ford
Policy
Ukraine Is Obama's Biggest Foreign Policy Test Yet
Forget Iran and Syria. Everything now depends on a show of diplomatic strength that will isolate Russia's Putin. By Michael Hirsh
Policy
Americans Are Divided Over Military Spending
A slim plurality of Americans wants to cut military spending, according to a Gallup Poll released Thursday. By Jordain Carney
Policy
The Politics of Process Stalls Veterans Benefits Bill
A rift between Senate Democrats and Republicans over who gets to offer amendments and how many is threatening a key veterans bill. By Michael Catalini and Stacy Kaper
Business
Here’s What the Pentagon Will Cut If Sequestration Happens Again in 2016
The Pentagon is gambling with Congress again over what another round of sequestration will cost the military – and this time, DOD’s threat is a bit more believable. By Stephanie Gaskell
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