Threats

Afghanistan Drawdown Continues Despite Violence, Ghani Announcement

The Afghan president said that his side would be resuming “offensive” operations against the Taliban.

Policy

62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds

Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.

Science & Tech

Iran Is Increasing Its Military and Cyber Activity, Report Says

After a big drop in April, Iran’s conventional military activity is up. Cyber operations never slowed down.

Threats

A ‘Mass Breakout’ of ISIS from Syrian Prisons Remains a Risk, Pentagon Watchdog Says

The coalition has had “little or no direct access” to the facilities since Turkey’s October invasion.

Threats

Coronavirus Not Slowing Russian, Chinese Space Activities, US General Says

Meanwhile, the U.S. has delayed several launches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Threats

Afghanistan To Resume ‘Offensive’ Actions Against Taliban In Blow To Peace Deal

How that will affect U.S. plans is anybody’s guess.

Ideas

US, China Should Pursue Peace, Not Military Brinkmanship

Neither side wants to appear weak, but recent actions and rhetoric by both sides has put all of us in greater danger of U.S.-China military tensions sliding into armed conflict.

Threats

The TSA Hoarded 1.3 Million N95 Masks Even Though Airports Are Empty and It Doesn’t Need Them

As hospitals searched desperately for masks, TSA officials held onto unused ones despite two agency officials' request to donate them.