Ideas
Who Gets to Tell the Story of the Afghanistan War?
The Washington Post’s ‘Afghanistan Papers’ is the latest contribution to a growing argument over whether the conflict — or any of the ‘forever wars’ — was worth the cost.
Policy
A Split-Screen Moment For Trump As Impeachment Trial Begins
The president is speaking at an economic forum as the Senate begins to debate whether to remove him from office.
Threats
Eleven US Troops Were Injured in Jan. 8 Iran Missile Strike
The troops were medevaced this week to Germany and Kuwait to be treated for traumatic brain injury after experiencing concussion symptoms.
Policy
The US Navy Needs More Money, Its Top Admiral Bluntly Argues
The sea service is pushing for a fleet of 355 ships in the next decade, and that’s not counting unmanned vessels.
Policy
Meet the House Republicans Who Want to Rein In Trump On War
After the Soleimani strike, a working group of moderate Republicans and Democrats trying to “clarify” Congress’s war responsibilities hope they can build momentum.
Policy
Turkey Will Make F-35 Parts Throughout 2020, Far Longer Than Anticipated
U.S. officials had aimed to get Turkish companies out of the jet’s supply chain by March.
Policy
House Passes War Powers Resolution to Limit War With Iran
The measure is legally toothless, but could still have some political impact.
Policy
Soleimani Strike Splits 2020 Democrats
It also opens up a key weakness for frontrunner Joe Biden.
Policy
Iraqi Lawmakers Ask Government to Expel US Troops
Iraq analysts say the nonbinding vote is important but removal of U.S. troops is far from a done deal.
Ideas
Who’s Next? Trump Crossed a Line with Soleimani’s Assassination
The Iranian was much more than a general. Who else is the U.S. president willing to kill?
Policy
Why Trump and Biden Can’t Cut Troops in Afghanistan Much More
Even ‘bare minimum’ counterterrorism forces require critical intelligence only U.S. personnel can provide, officials warn.
Policy
Top US General Defends Afghanistan War
CJCS Mark Milley denied that officials “lied” to the American public about the 18-year conflict.
Policy
Democratic Candidates Sound Off on China
Three of the seven 2020 candidates at the debate argued the U.S. needs an international coalition to deal with Beijing.
Ideas
Russia Is Waging Asymmetric Warfare Against the US — And We’re Letting Them Win
We must do more to harden against these attacks on our economy, institutions, and the public.
Policy
Ukraine Would Get New Anti-Ship Missiles Under House Bill
Russia would also get new sanctions under the House version of the defense authorization bill.
Policy
Defense Bill Would Create 'ROTC for Pentagon's Civilian Employees'
The college-based Defense Civilian Training Corps would aim to fill “critical skills gaps” in the department’s workforce.
Ideas
‘Are You in This?’
If so many Americans believe Russia is an ally, China is a good business partner, and terrorism isn’t worth fighting anymore, how can the United States be counted on for global security?
Policy
The Space Force Appears Cleared For Launch
Lawmakers hint that bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act will create a new military branch.
Policy