Policy

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Ankara?

The question is not: “Can we live with a rogue Turkey?” but: “Do we have a choice?” said one U.S. official.

Threats

Amid Rising Tensions: A Conversation with Pakistan’s Ambassador

Asad Majeed Khan discusses the U.S. troop pullout in Afghanistan, the worsening situation in Kashmir, and efforts to fight extremism.

Policy

China’s Largest Telecom May Sue You For Criticizing It

Huawei is trying to use French libel laws to punish a Western researcher. Will it work?

Policy

Trump Officials Meet With Libyan Politician Aligned With Opposition ‘Strongman’ In Potential Policy Shift

US support for the UN-recognized Libyan government is in question after a series of quiet meetings with an enterprising presidential hopeful.

Policy

Volker: I Didn’t Realize White House Was Asking for Biden Dirt

In Tuesday testimony, the special envoy to Ukraine said he was not part of the Giuliani-Perry-Sondland backchannel.

Policy

Apprehensions of Undocumented Immigrants on US-Mexico Border Continue to Fall

The figure is the lowest since July 2018 and marks the fifth consecutive month that the number has dropped.

Policy

Esper, Milley Push South Korea to Pay More for US Troop Protection

South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo declined to confirm reports that Trump is asking for a 400-percent hike.

Ideas

Erdogan Blasts US at White House. Was That Good for NATO?

Critics howled at Trump’s invitation to the Turkish autocrat. Others clench their teeth and say it’s paramount to keep Ankara in the anti-Russian alliance.

Policy

Erdoğan Defies Trump. So Why Do They Get Along?

The two have undeniable personal chemistry, but their countries are drifting apart.

Policy

'That’s When I Became A Sniper': Ukraine’s Women Vets Describe Their War

As the war in Ukraine smolders on, we sat down with women veterans who recount their experiences fighting to defend their country, and each other.

Policy

SecDef: Expect ‘Trimming, Reducing, Some Eliminations’ in 2021 Budget

Esper touts "good progress" in high-level review intended to cut fat and find funds for projects to counter China and Russia.

Policy

McConnell Asked White House For Sanctions Position, Dem Senator Says

The Senate majority leader is weighing the myriad sanctions proposals on the Hill, Sen. Van Hollen said at the Defense One Outlook 2020 conference. 

Policy

Pentagon Vows to Guard the Syrian Oil That Trump Wants to Seize

That includes warding off Syrian and Russian forces, SecDef Esper says, with murky justification under domestic and international law.

Threats

Trump Declares Victory in Syria, Claims Credit for It All

“Let someone else fight over this long-bloodstained sand,” the president says, as Congress fumes.

Policy

Esper Recuses Himself from JEDI Cloud-Contract Review

Nearly three months after he put the program on hold, the defense secretary has concluded that his son's job prevents him from overseeing it.

Ideas

The US Has Supported Lebanon’s Corrupt Ruling Class Long Enough

As protestors rage against oligarchs, the United States should end its stability-minded approach and foster political and economic reform.

Threats

Top SDF Commander: Turkey Blocking Kurds’ Retreat; Urges Trump to ‘Stop This War’

“I am asking President Trump right now to fulfill his promise to us and stop this war,” Mazlum Abdi told Defense One by phone.

Policy

Turkey’s Military Ties to US and NATO Remain Strong: US Army Leaders

Joint exercises remain on the schedule as Turkish forces attack America’s Syrian rebel allies.

Ideas

‘Silent Warriors’ Speak Out Against Trump’s Syria Turnaround

America’s elite special operators are breaking their wall of silence like never before, 'betrayed' by Trump’s decision to pull back in Syria and erase years of hard work. But are they too late?

Ideas

'By, With, Through' Was the Best Hope for Syria — And Ending 'Endless Wars'

The U.S. acquiescence to Turkey’s invasion abandons an effective Kurdish partner, but also a creative model that was working.