Ideas
Ep.13: Afghan Ambassador to the US; Washington Post's Josh Rogin and Bloomberg's Eli Lake.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
'A Sudden Burst of Movement’ on the Afghan Peace Process
The reported U.S. offer of direct talks with the Taliban is adding to rare optimism in Afghanistan.
Threats
Trump Won’t Pull US Troops From Afghanistan, Says Afghan President
At NATO Summit, President Ashraf Ghani said Trump gave his full support to coalition leaders and believes he convinced the U.S. president to stay.
Ideas
Ep. 11: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani; Former FBI Agent Clint Watts on Russian disinformation, fake news and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
In Afghanistan, Ceasefires Could Pave a Path to Peace
The overlapping, temporary ceasefires announced by the Afghan government, U.S.-led NATO forces, and the Taliban show there is still hope for a political end to the conflict.
Threats
With Ceasefire, Afghan President Offers ‘An Opportunity for the Taliban’
Ashraf Ghani has ordered his forces to stand down for a week, but are the insurgents interested?
Threats
What the Long, Corruption-Enabling, Mostly Failed Afghanistan-Stabilization Effort Tells Us
It’s about managing expectations: ours about the timeline, the foreign population’s about governance.
Ideas
Seize This Moment for Afghan Peace Talks
In spite of recent attacks, the Taliban has signaled willingness to bend from its hardline past. The Trump administration should take advantage of the opportunity
Threats
Is Peace on the Horizon for Afghanistan?
An offer of talks by the Ghani government was met with silence from the Taliban. That, in itself, could be a good sign.
Ideas
Trump's Aimless War in Afghanistan Expands, Again
Why is the U.S. bombing Chinese separatists, and what does it say about the flailing war effort in Afghanistan?
Threats
Peace Through Bombings: The US Strategy in Afghanistan
The goal of negotiating with the Taliban is at odds with President Trump’s statements.
Ideas
An Advise-and-Assist Commander Has Advice for the US Army's New Partner-Trainers
Security Force Assistance Brigades, or SFABs, are a great concept, but even the best ideas have limitations and room for improvement.
Threats
Meet the Believers: The Afghanistan War’s US Commanders are Ready For a Reboot
What's different this time? New rules, new plan, new firepower, new hope.
Ideas
America's Longest War—and the Ally That Fuels It
How Pakistan has perpetuated the Afghan conflict.
Ideas
The US Military Needs a Teacher Corps to Train Its Partners
Much of the $70 billion spent to train Afghan armed forces has been wasted. Here’s how to do better.
Policy
Will Pakistan Close NATO’s Supply Routes into Afghanistan? Mattis Plays Down Possibility
‘I’m not concerned,’ the defense secretary tells reporters after the White House announced an intention to suspend military aid to Islamabad.
Ideas
Trump's Belligerence Toward Pakistan Isn't Unreasonable
His threatening tweet might signal increased pressure on Islamabad for its support of Afghan militants.
Threats
ISIS in Afghanistan Is Like a Balloon That Won't Pop
Thursday’s fatal attack in Kabul highlights the group’s resilience.
Policy
How Pakistan Is Responding to Trump
Pushed by Trump, Tillerson, and Mattis to do more to fight terrorism, Pakistan has instead taken public steps to push back in recent weeks.
Ideas