Threats

Egypt vs. Syria

Obama has to choose which crises matter most. By Joshua Foust

Policy

A QDR for the VA?

A bill before the House Veterans Affairs Committee would require the Veterans Affairs Department to conduct a four-year review, but is more paperwork what the agency needs? By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Egypt’s Military Behaving Exactly as Hoped, Sort Of

Al-Sissi may be unpredictable, but take the long view: 30 years of U.S. military aid to Egypt is paying security dividends. By Kevin Baron

Threats

Forget the Troops, Can the Afghan Government Lead?

Sure, the Pentagon hypes Afghan forces taking the security lead, but there’s a “gigantic truth that we keep missing.” By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

The Drone That Wouldn't Die: How a Defense Contractor Bested the Pentagon

The Air Force was ready to drop the RQ-4B Block 30, but a Northrop Grumman lobbying campaign convinced Congress to resuscitate it. By Richard H.P. Sia and Alexander Cohen

Policy

Intel Wars: DIA, CIA and Flynn’s Battle to Consolidate Spying

The Defense Department wants in on the spying game. But will the CIA block their efforts? By Marc Ambinder

Ideas

The Next QDR Is the Last Chance for Sanity

The independent review panel could be a real opportunity for change.

Threats

An Afghan Game of Chicken

By conducting a public feud, Obama and Karzai are putting their gains at risk in Afghanistan. By Michael Hirsh

Policy

Who Could Replace Janet Napolitano at the Department of Homeland Security?

The former governor of Arizona is resigning as secretary on Friday to become the first woman to head the UC system.

Policy

Mark Lippert: Hagel's Right Hand Man

Hagel's chief of staff has had a long working relationship with key players in the administration. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

Americans Turn on Obama Over Foreign Policy

Once considered the president's strength, a new poll shows troubling signs.

Policy

The Afghanistan Negotiations Are Not Going Well

Talks to draw down the war effectively are being derailed

Policy

Why Egypt Needs New Elections as Soon as Possible

The best way to ease the country's bitter divisions is to choose a new leader through a transparent political process, not military rule.

Policy

Why Washington Will Have No Allies in Egypt

Mohammed ElBaradei may sound like an ideal American partner, but he's not the answer. By Michael Hirsh