Ideas

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Are Shaping the Future of the Middle East

The Guards, particularly the Quds Brigade, now numbering about 15,000, are in the forefront of projecting Iranian influence.

Ideas

Time to Move the 5th Fleet? How US Appeasement Is Undermining Bahrain's Stability

The government crackdowns that followed the Obama administration’s decision to lift an arms ban have only stirred up dissent.

Ideas

What the West Can Do about The Biggest Obstacle to Libyan Stability

The more Libya's foreign allies can weaken Gen. Khalifa Hifter, the more fighters will break away from him and join the new government.

Ideas

Need a New Security Clearance? Here Are 5 Things You Should Know

If you work for the government, you need to understand the process and the terminology.

Ideas

A Transatlantic Plan to Bolster Europe’s Cyber Defenses

The cyber world of the 21st century may soon look dangerously similar to the political world of the 19th.

Ideas

The West Must Respond to Russia´s Increasing Cyber Aggression

As Russian hackers take center stage in the pantheon of cyber adversaries, NATO needs to step up.

Ideas

‘Open Letter’ to Obama on Afghanistan Omits Key Questions

Staying the course won’t work if we don’t know where we’re going.

Ideas

Put the X-47B Back to Work — As a Tanker

Before the US Navy spends another billion dollars on prototype UAVs, it should wring more lessons from its existing fleet.

Ideas

Gray Zone: Why We’re Losing the New Era of National Security

If the U.S.-led status quo is not be to further eroded, the White House and Pentagon must jumpstart efforts to recognize and counter hybrid techniques.

Ideas

It’s Time to Declare Our Independence from Russian Rockets

Attention, Congress: there are a range of alternatives to the RD-180, none of which run through Moscow.

Ideas

Revamp the International Officer Training Program Before Inviting Nations Like Myanmar

For 40 years, the U.S. program has helped strengthen ties with partner nations and their rising military stars. More can be done.

Ideas

Afghanistan Needs a Settlement, Not Another Troop-Withdrawal Deadline

The U.S. objective in Afghanistan is not to leave; it is to end the war on terms Americans and Afghans can live with.

Ideas

No More Cyber Maginot Lines: We Need to Hunt Down Hackers Before They Strike

This is the next frontier of cybersecurity.

Ideas

With UN Decision Looming, China, US Need Real Talks on South China Sea

China is expected to raise tensions this month if a Law of the Seas tribunal rules against their claims in the South China Sea. Time to start talking.

Ideas

What’s Missing as NATO Rearms Its Eastern Flank? Diplomacy

An arms buildup alone won’t keep the Baltics safe, but a parallel Cold War-style diplomatic track just might.

Policy

A Judge Shouldn’t Force Congress to Debate War

Feckless lawmakers are certainly ducking one of their most solemn duties. But a soldier’s lawsuit won't fix things.

Ideas

The B-21 Bomber Should Be Unmanned on Day 1

So far, U.S. Air Force leaders have said only that it will eventually be able to fly without crew.

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.