Policy
Why US Officials Say Trump is Flexing on Foreign Policy
“Trump has been Trump in foreign policy—but the safety nets are gone,” said one senior national security official, of the president’s Syria decision.
Threats
As Assault Begins, Trump Vows to Make Turkey Keep Its Word While Lawmakers Vow Punishment
The president said 'far more than sanctions' awaits Turkey if its assault taking over northern Syria is not 'as humane as possible.'
Threats
Syrian Decision Rekindles Fear of ISIS Prison Breaks
Pentagon and State Department officials have raised alarms for months about the makeshift prisons.
Policy
Pentagon’s Top Lawyer to Review All Ukraine-Aid Documents
But a DoD spokesman still won’t say when the department was told about the aid freeze at the heart of the impeachment inquiry.
Policy
Allies Defend Kurt Volker, Diplomat Caught Up in Ukrainegate
Former officials say that the characterization of Volker that has emerged in some press reports is untrue.
Policy
Trump’s New Joint Chiefs Chair Is A Savvy Political Operator
The question is: how will Gen. Mark Milley work with the U.S. president?
Ideas
Acting DNI Shows Why Generals and Admirals Should Not Become Top Civilians
Joseph Maguire, a retired three-star, was all too desperate to find a higher civilian authority whose orders to obey.
Policy
Trump Has Approved Arms to Lots of Problematic Regimes Besides Ukraine. Here's The List
The president said he withheld military aid for Ukraine over corruption concerns.
Policy
House Democrats Announce Formal Impeachment Probe — Sort Of
It’s far from clear whether House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s go-slow strategy has changed.
Policy
How Trump is Remaking Republican Foreign Policy
Out: neoconservatism and noninterventionism. In: a reactionary style that may outlast his administration.
Policy
Trump Names Robert O’Brien His 4th National Security Advisor
A lawyer by trade, former Bush delegate at the UN, and campaign advisor to Mitt Romney and Scott Walker, O’Brien has been serving as special envoy for hostage affairs.
Ideas
The US Military is Not, and Can Never Be, Afghanistan’s Police
If we were 'almost a police force' in Afghanistan, we already would have won.
Policy
Mike Pompeo Is Bigger Than the Pentagon — For Now
“I think that Pompeo is now running foreign policy in the Trump administration in the way that Cheney ran it in the Bush administration,” said one analyst.
Policy
Trump Will Release Suspended Military Aid to Ukraine, Lawmaker Says
Money to help Ukraine fight a war against Russia has sparked a political battle in D.C.
Policy
US Might Still Sanction Turkey For Buying S-400 From Russia
Any punishments would supplement Ankara’s ejection from the F-35 program.
Policy
US Lawmaker Threatens to Give the Next Attack Plane to the Army
Tired of USAF slow-rolling, Rep. Michael Waltz has already spearheaded legislation allowing SOCOM to seek light attack aircraft.
Ideas
When it Comes to Allies, Americans Get It
New polling reveals Trump's disparagement of U.S. allies remains a bridge too far for most Americans — and it should remain so.
Policy
Bolton Fired as National Security Adviser. Who's Next?
Trump's third NSA is let go after being sidelined at major international events.
Policy