Ideas
Forget Technology. The Real Military Edge Comes From Promoting Smart People
A military culture that values people – and their intellectual development — will drive the innovation needed to win our wars.
Ideas
The US Needs to Stop Pouring Rocket Money into Putin’s Pockets
The Delta IV engine is more expensive than the RD-180, but at least it doesn't enrich cronies of the Russian president.
Ideas
Leave Root Causes Aside—Destroy the ISIS ‘State’
Of course it would be daunting to solve the conflicts the Islamic State feeds on. But that isn’t, or shouldn’t be, the mission.
Ideas
Wishing for a US-Made Heavy Lift Rocket Won’t Make It So
If Congress really wants to ditch Russia’s RD-180 engine, it needs to fund the research — and get ready to wait.
Ideas
Obama Drops Rhetoric as Assad Drops Barrel Bombs
As long as Syrian civilians are on the bullseye, nothing will be accomplished at peace talks.
Ideas
What’s Wrong with Obama’s National Security Council?
An insider sorts the solid critiques from the amnesiac complaints.
Ideas
The US Needs More Weapons That Can Be Quickly and Easily Modified
The U.S. military will lose its technological edge unless it figures out how to foster adaptable systems. Here's one idea.
Ideas
A Cyber JSOC Could Help the US Strike Harder and Faster
A network-attack analogue to the manhunting Joint Special Operations Command would allow cyber warriors to decide, deconflict, and execute more effectively.
Ideas
Meet the Small Iraqi Town that Breeds Jihadis
No matter where you turn when covering the Islamic State's two years of terror in Iraq and Syria, one name repeatedly crops up: Tal Afar.
Ideas
Things Lawmakers Should Do Before They Complain About Military Readiness
A few common-sense Congressional actions would go a long way toward funding troops’ preparedness.
Ideas
Obama's Last Chance To Change the Saudi Arabia Playbook
The U.S. can't be the sole guardian of the Gulf forever. It's time to bring in some more friends.
Ideas
America Can't Do Much About ISIS
That leaves patience, containment, and humanitarian aid as the least-bad policies while waiting for this awful war to play itself out.
Ideas
What the US Gives Its Mideast Partners Isn’t Always What They Need
Instead of 'prestige weapons' worth billions, look at UAE’s special operators or Palestine’s security forces.
Ideas
Three Ways to Judge the Pentagon’s Tech-Sector Outreach
Hint: it’s not about how many zeroes are on the first checks.
Ideas
In Increasingly Turbulent Middle East, US-Saudi Partnership Is Indispensable
A former EUCOM deputy commander looks makes the case for even tighter bonds with Riyadh.
Ideas
How the US and China Can Talk Each Other Out of a Nuclear Arms Race
By striving for strategic stability, Beijing and Washington can relieve the pressures of oneupmanship and the risk of accidental escalation.
Ideas
The Hell After ISIS
Even as the militant group loses ground in Iraq, many Sunnis say they have no hope for peace. One family’s story shows why.
Ideas