Ideas
The Mattis Two-Step
The forever general’s attempt to "stay out of politics" is bringing him right into it.
Policy
Lawmakers Expect a Stopgap Spending Measure to Avoid an October Shutdown
For the first time in decades, the Senate hasn’t marked up a single appropriations bill in subcommittee, a Democratic aide said.
Policy
Trump Told the VA to Order ‘a Lot’ of Ketamine for Vets
The president wants to make a controversial new nasal spray available to depressed veterans. The agency says it will consider incorporating the drug after it has more data.
Policy
The Pentagon Is Almost Two Years Late On Efficiency Reforms
Little progress have been made on various requirements ordered in the 2018 authorization act, GAO found.
Policy
Trump Threatens to ‘Release’ ISIS Fighters into France, Germany
The president wants European governments to repatriate and try citizens being held by Syrian resistance forces.
Threats
US Army: No Afghanistan Withdrawal Plans Yet
“We have not received any direction to do anything at this point,” says Acting Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy.
Policy
General’s Sexual Assault Accuser Was Deemed a ‘Toxic, Self-Centered Abuser,’ New Docs Reveal
Hundreds of previously unseen pages of two investigations paint Army Col. Kathryn Spletstoser as an abusive coworker with motive for revenge against Gen. John Hyten.
Policy
Can US-Taliban Peace Talks End the War in Afghanistan?
U.S. officials say that they are close to reaching a deal with the Taliban, but peace in the country would still not be guaranteed.
Policy
State Dept. IG: Hiring Freeze Hurt Border Security, Counterterrorism, and Other Priorities
Imposed by Rex Tillerson soon after Trump took office, the 16-month freeze crushed morale and hindered operations, the inspector general found.
Science & Tech
3-Star General: Tomorrow’s Troops Need Controversial JEDI Cloud
Days after the new SecDef put a hold on the massive cloud program, two Pentagon leaders went on the record to defend it.
Policy
White House Pauses Some Diplomatic Spending
The move could provide a path for OMB to circumvent spending levels spelled out by Congress.
Policy
Why Trump Cares About the Pentagon’s Mega-Cloud — and Why That Terrifies Those Who Want It
Breaking up the $10 billion JEDI network project will hurt the U.S. military’s effort to speed data to troops, its fans argue.
Policy
One Theme Unites 2020 Dems: Rein in President’s War Powers
Many voted to repeal the old AUMFs; Buttigieg proposes a 3-year sunset.
Policy
Hyten Poised For Confirmation Despite Sexual Assault Claims
His accuser, who took a front-row seat at his confirmation hearing, says the Air Force four-star is lying to Congress.
Policy
Dan Coats Spoke Truth to Trump. Now He’s Out.
The director of national intelligence won plaudits for laying out the intelligence community’s assessments on issues ranging from Iran to Russia.
Ideas
About that Counter-Iran Coalition...
The Trump administration called for help, but Washington's friends have shrugged and calculated it is safer to stay away from "maximum pressure." There is a better way.
Policy
Gen. Hyten to Get His Senate Confirmation Hearing
His previously uncontroversial nomination to be vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs was thrown into question after a former subordinate accused him of sexual assault.
Policy
Graham: I Told Turkey They Can Avoid Sanctions If They Don’t Activate Russian Radar
Sen. Lindsay Graham says President Trump asked him to make the call.
Policy
NSA Launches Cybersecurity Directorate
The group is charged with defending the country’s national security infrastructure and defense contractors against digital threats.
Ideas