Policy

Trying to Kill the Iran Deal Could End Up Saving It

Trump administration officials are publicly united on their policy of punishing the Islamic Republic. But cracks are showing over just how far to go.

Policy

Trump Picks New Top NATO Commander

Top US Air Force general in Europe will lead alliance as Trump officials continue to berate members for more money.

Policy

Acting SecDef: ‘We Won’t Do Cost-Plus-50’

In his first testimony to Congress as acting Pentagon chief, Shanahan called “erroneous” the reports of the proposal to make allies pay more.

Policy

Toward ‘Fort Trump’: US Makes Poland a ‘Serious Robust Offer’

Defense Undersecretary Rood visited Warsaw to negotiate a controversial permanent presence.

Policy

Lawmakers Question Pentagon’s Use of ‘Slush Fund’ to Skirt Budget Caps

Almost one-quarter of the 2020 defense budget is in OCO. That's sure to come up when Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan testifies on Thursday.

Policy

2020 Budget Request Reveals Slow Shift Toward Great Power War

It will take some years before various futuristic weapons even begin to arrive.

Policy

New New START a Nonstarter: Russian Ambassador

The last major arms control agreement between Russia and the United States receives another blow.

Policy

White House Proposes Loan Fund to Help Allies Buy US Arms

It’s the second try for an idea shelved in 2017 when lawmakers disapproved.

Policy

Here’s What We Know About the Pentagon’s 2020 Budget Request

Money to extend border barriers and lavish use of the war fund are already drawing bipartisan fire.

Policy

Will John Bolton Bring on Armageddon—Or Stave It Off?

The national security adviser could be our best hope for protecting the world from Donald Trump’s impulses.

Policy

Critics Blast Trump ‘Protection Racket’ Offer as ‘Pure Idiocy’

The White House's "cost plus 50" plan would require allies to pay 150% of American troop costs. Former commanders say it only hurts U.S. interests.

Policy

We’ll Soon Learn Whether You Can Post 3D-Gun Plans Online

A proposed export-rules change has snagged over the question: is publishing such designs a boon to U.S. business or foreign terrorists?

Policy

Investigating Trump: It’s Not Just About Russia Anymore

House lawmakers issue broad call for documents relating to a wide array of the commander-in-chief’s “abuses of power.”

Policy

Legislative Hurdle Delays US Space Command Stand-Up

Pentagon can’t move ahead until Congress repeals a provision in the 2019 defense authorization act.

Ideas

I Ran the Air War Over Gaddafi. Here's Why The US Should Stop Backing the Yemen War

One hopes Jared Kushner said it in Saudi Arabia, but Congress should curtail the Pentagon’s participation in this war.

Policy

The Impossible Job of Speaking Truth to Trump

How do you offer intelligence to a president who’s not interested—and keep your job?

Threats

Pentagon Wins a Reprieve with Trump Approval of ‘Residual’ Forces in Syria

General Dunford is “confident” U.S. allies will now agree to stay, but for how long remains undetermined.

Policy

When Humanitarian Aid Is Used as a Weapon to Bring Down Regimes

As the United States offers crucial humanitarian aid to Venezuelan migrants, it is doubling down on its opposition to Venezuela’s president.

Policy

AFRICOM Adds Logistics Hub in West Africa, Hinting at an Enduring US Presence

From Ghana’s capital, a new supply network will ferry supplies and arms to special forces troops across the region.

Policy

Trump Officially Directs Pentagon to Create Space Force, Within Air Force

If Congress approves, Space Force would exist like the Marine Corps within the Navy Department.