Ideas
Four New Questions For Trump on Syria
The ISIS fight is nearly over, military leaders say. Is the United States ready to lead what happens next?
Policy
A Federal Court Pushes Back on Trump’s Transgender Military Ban
A judge issues a preliminary injunction, taking issue with everything from the framing of the directive to the way it was delivered.
Threats
‘We're Not Taking Sides,’ Trump Tells Clashing Kurds, Iraqis
The Pentagon watches two American allies turn on each other, as Iraq’s fractious politics are laid bare once again.
Policy
The Questions Raised By Trump's Iran Deal Decision
The U.S. will stick to the nuclear agreement—for now.
Threats
Trump Administration Gambles On Iran Nuclear Deal
White House staffers say the president will decertify the 2015 seven-party agreement, introducing uncertainty and worrying arms control watchers.
Policy
If War with Russia Breaks Out, Borders and Bureaucracy Could Slow the West’s Response
In a summer of multinational exercises in Europe, the first thing the U.S. Army learned was: ‘Borders are hard.’
Policy
Mattis to Generals: Start Talking to the Press
Nine months into the Trump administration, the defense secretary tells senior military leaders to engage with the media — but stay in their lanes.
Policy
The US Will Be Dropping A Lot More Bombs on Afghanistan
More air support for Afghan forces will help drive the Taliban to the negotiating table, Mattis and Dunford tell Congress.
Ideas
All That Could Go Wrong When Jihadists Return Home — to China
Once separatists, now jihadists, some Uighurs returning from the ISIS battlefield could threaten — and test — Beijing.
Policy
Here’s How Much of Your Taxes Have Gone To Wars
Previously unreported Pentagon data shows how much the average U.S. taxpayer has paid for combat operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Syria.
Ideas
Why Trump Should Be the One Stopping to Take a Knee
I support the cause, but I'm a combat veteran, so I won't kneel. We still need a leader who brings the temperature down, not cranks it up.
Policy
McMaster: I’m Here to Serve, Not ‘Control the President’
The national security adviser says his job is to help the commander-in-chief by providing options and executing decisions to advance Trump’s agenda.
Policy
In Mexico, Mattis Plays Down Political Rhetoric, Seeks to Build Trust
Defense Secretary Mattis touts "a growing relationship built on trust and respect" between the U.S. and Mexican militaries.
Threats
‘I Want to Finish This’: US Special Ops Leaders Urge Washington to Stick by the Syrian Kurds
Commanders inside Syria say rebels are doing all they hoped for — and are the best shot to break the region's cycle of terrorism.
Policy
Amid North Korea Tension, Mattis Heads to US Nuclear Weapons Bases
The U.S. defense secretary will inspect American ICBMs, then visit the military command that would lead a nuclear war.
Ideas
Winter Is Here, But the US is Not Ready for Cyber War
How can DHS and Congress protect HBO and Equifax when they're slow to protect their own '.gov' domains?
Policy
Get Ready for a Short-Term CR, Congressional Leaders Tell Pentagon
Top House Republicans on defense say it’s not ideal — underfunding has contributed to a rash of recent accidents — but don’t expect a full-year appropriation until December.
Policy
Former State Dept. Cyber Coordinator Says It Was a Mistake to Close His Office
Chris Painter worries the United States is stepping back from its role as a global cyber leader.
Policy
Chasing the Elusive BRAC, Pentagon Says Readiness Is at Stake
Defense officials are changing their pitch for base closures. Will Congress listen this time?
Policy