Ideas

Don’t Privatize the Veterans Health Administration

The healthcare industry wants to take over a system that – for all its problems – still outperforms the private sector.

Threats

Don’t Give Up on the African Union Mission Yet

Somalia's most effective institution and its biggest driver of stability, AMISOM is the only force that can counter al-Shabab and hold territory.

Ideas

Stop Saying We're Dropping 'Cyber Bombs' On ISIS

It is better to see cyber operations for what they are: changing spreadsheets, intercepting email, jamming comms, and a lot of deception.

Ideas

The Nuclear Football Goes to Japan

Obama will have the power of 22,000 Hiroshimas in the suitcase his aide carries with him. He still has time to change.

Ideas

The Latest Taliban Leader’s Death Changes What, Exactly?

Ask three people what they make of Mullah Mansoor’s death by drone and you’ll get three answers, none offering a swift end to the war.

Ideas

The Old Arguments About US Nukes in Europe Aren’t Working. Here’s A New Approach.

Stressing the humanitarian dimensions of the debate over tactical nukes may break a long stalemate.

Ideas

Naysayers Are Learning the Wrong Lessons About the Littoral Combat Ship

The LCS is bringing needed numbers — and following the paths of very successful ship classes.

Ideas

The Myth of American Disengagement

For too many in the foreign policy debate, "engagement" is code for unilateral military intervention. Here's a more honest way to measure Obama's record.

Ideas

If Diplomacy Fails, Then What for Syria?

What leverage has a United States that is so reluctant to fight?

Ideas

If Russia is Selling, the Pentagon Should Keep Buying — Rocket Engines, That Is

What’s the rush? Before hastily cutting off the engines we need, Congress should set the conditions for a better American space launch market.

Ideas

Five Possible Futures for the US Navy

Technology, especially networked algorithms, is changing the game. But which path will it take the Navy down?

Ideas

Naval Cooperation is More Crucial Than Ever. Here’s What It Costs.

To build key relationships, the US must be willing to trade readiness for presence and exquisite ships for numbers.

Ideas

The Lessons of the Littoral Combat Ship

Analyzing the events of the past 15 years reveals at least four reasons for the current mess.

Ideas

To Confront Russia's Subs, NATO Should Team Up on ASW Aircraft

Alliance members should replicate their successful C-17 cooperation to restore their maritime patrol aircraft fleets.

Ideas

CNO: US Navy Needs Foreign Help Against Russia, China, ISIS, Iran

The Chief of Naval Operations explains why he's working to expand and strengthen the fleet's network of partners.

Ideas

The DIUx Is Dead. Long Live The DIUx

By taking early corrective action, Ash Carter is upending the typical Washington playbook of prolonging failure.

Ideas

To Beat ISIS, We Must Think Smaller

People become radicalized when they lack hope, jobs, and purpose. Local investments can break the cycle.

Ideas

Transparency’s Double-Edged Sword

Even as ubiquitous surveillance helps hold governments accountable, it can also make tense situations less stable.

Business

GPS Upgrades Are Late and Over Budget. Here's Why We Should Stay the Course

There's no better alternative to the GPS III and OCX programs, which thankfully appear to be on track at last.

Ideas

Keep It Secret: Congress Should Back Off the B-21 Program

Lawmakers' calls for more transparency and fixed-price contracts will only hurt an Air Force acquisition effort that is doing well so far.