Business

Ditch the QDR

The Pentagon just conducted two major strategy reviews. So why does it need the QDR? By Doug Wilson

Threats

Biden: 'America's Back'

As Americans grow more weary of U.S. involvement overseas, Vice President Joe Biden insists "there is no reason why we cannot bring greater focus to the Asia-Pacific and keep our eye on the ball in the Middle East.” By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

An Opportunity for U.S.-Iran Engagement

Could the growing violence in Syria bring the U.S. and Iran together?

Business

Dempsey’s Next Mission: Balance U.S. Ambition, Ability

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey has identified four priorities for his second-term with one purpose: reconcile U.S. ambitions with the Pentagon’s abilities. By Kevin Baron

Policy

Can Samantha Power Stop Assad?

Power understands the 'strengths and weaknesses of the U.N.,' says former Secretary of State Madeliene Albright. But can the woman who wrote the book about the birth of genocide stop the bloodshed in Syria without China and Russia? By Stephanie Gaskell

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

How the Snowden Leaks Are Leveling the Oversight Playing Field

More information on the intelligence network is being spread. By Philip Bump

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.