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.

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.

Ideas

The Snake-And-Alligator Border Moat: A Budget Analysis

We ran the numbers. It’s doable.

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.