Ideas
The Next Battle: State Department, US Military Divided Over Kurdish Fighters In Syria (And Russia)
Frustrated sources on the ground say the State Department is struggling to get behind the Syrian Kurds and the U.S. military would struggle to proceed without them. As for Russia, well...
Policy
As Trump and Putin Met, US and UK Defense Chiefs Discussed Ways to Deter Russia
While one part of Trump’s executive branch looks to improve relations with Moscow, another prepares for the worst.
Ideas
North Korea Just Called Trump's Bluff. Here's What the US Can Do
Now that Kim Jong-Un has an ICBM, it's time for 'the least of the bad options.'
Policy
Departing Air Force Undersecretary Warns of Budget Uncertainty
Lisa Disbrow says the Air Force needs stable funding to better connect its planes, protect its satellites and buy more aircraft.
Policy
Senate Defense Bill Bans Russian Anti-virus Software, Splits CIO Duties
The bill would reform how the Pentagon manages internal cybersecurity.
Policy
US Lawmakers Call for Space Force, Boost to Military Drills in Europe
The House and Senate Armed Services committees want the Pentagon to better prepare for war in space, but there’s disagreement on how to do it.
Ideas
Cherry Picking Intelligence For War in the Middle East? Here We Go Again
Will Trump follow the Bush playbook and start a war with Iran?
Ideas
Calm Your Russia War Drums Over This ‘Deconfliction Line’
Yes, the fight is hotter. But we were told this was coming, US and Russian leaders are deconflicting aplenty, and nobody wants war.
Science & Tech
What's the 'Risk' in China's Investments in US Artificial Intelligence? New Bill Aims to Find Out
Senator's proposal to give feds new powers protect an American technological advantage has more than a few critics.
Policy
Inside the West Wing Tug-of-War Over Russia and Ukraine
The president has been all over the map on Ukraine. The people around him have been much more consistent.
Policy
Business Experience Bites Trump’s Pentagon Nominee
Congress might hold up the president’s pick for deputy defense secretary over his three-decade career with Boeing, among other things.
Ideas
The Danger of Picking Sides in the Qatar Crisis
For better or worse, all the Gulf nations remain vital allies for the U.S. in the fight against terrorism.
Ideas
After Raqqa, How the US Must Adapt to ISIS
What to do when ISIS goes underground, and other things to worry about after the caliphate falls.
Ideas
Mattis’s Afghanistan War Plan: Be Patient, Convince Everyone
Roll back the Taliban. Tackle ISIS. Win over Washington. Build Afghan forces. Seek support from the American public. Sound familiar?
Policy
Dunford: Without Better Funding, US Will 'Lose Competitive Advantage' In Just a Few Years
Gen. Dunford, and then Defense Secretary Mattis, deliver a dire warning to House lawmakers.
Policy
Lawmakers to Pentagon: Tell Us When You Use Cyber Weapons
A proposed law would require congressional notification when DOD conducts external cyber operations — offensive or defensive.
Policy
The 5 Biggest Unanswered Questions from James Comey’s Testimony
Here are the Trump-Russia investigation details that the former FBI director will only discuss behind closed doors
Policy
Without Trump’s Stalled Travel Ban, DHS Chief Not ‘Fully Confident’ of US Security
Kelly told lawmakers that terror attacks, like the recent one in London, demonstrate the need for increased vetting of refugees and improved border security.
Policy
European Battle Groups May Finally Get the Funding to Fight
The decade-old rapid-response groups have never been deployed due to political — and financial — considerations.
Ideas