Ideas

Why Turkey Chose, and Then Rejected, a Chinese Air-Defense Missile

Ankara's decisions say a lot about what Turkey wants from the U.S. and NATO, if only the West will listen.

Ideas

The Hawkeye State Sours on Hawkish Republicans

Four years ago, Iowans rewarded the neocon-inflected campaigns of Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney. This year, four of the top five finishers are critics of unnecessary interventions.

Ideas

Want an Alternative to ISIS? Look to Tunisia

The Islamic State offers a false choice between dictatorship and extremism. Tunisia proves there’s a better way.

Ideas

Bring the Troops Home — From Sinai

Your first question is likely: 'We have American soldiers deployed in Egypt?'

Ideas

Death of the GRU Commander

An American general remembers Russia's complex military intelligence chief, who shaped the Ukraine incursion — and worked hard to bridge the East-West gap.

Policy

The 3 Worst National Security Ideas Out of the Iowa Debate

A closer look at the candidates’ remarks on foreign policy reveal plenty of bumper-sticker slogans, but few serious proposals that could actually help keep the country safe.

Policy

The Republican Conflation of ISIS and Immigration

Politically, this serves a purpose. But as public policy, it makes little sense.

Ideas

Want Peace in Syria? Put Women at the Negotiating Table

That’s what the Balkan experience tells us, say current and former British and US ambassadors.

Ideas

Here's Why the UN Sat on Its Hands During 5 Years of War in Syria

The 'great power' origins and recent deadly failings of the power of veto inside the U.N. Security Council.

Science & Tech

The Middle East's Quietly Rising Cyber Super Power

Israel now has more than 300 cybersecurity companies, exports totaling $6 billion, and 20 percent of the world’s private cyber investment dollars.

Business

What to Watch for in 2016

It’s likely to be an important transitional year for many defense issues as the Obama administration draws to a close.

Ideas

That 'Wasteful' Task Force? You're Not Getting the Full Story

In Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s Task Force for Business and Stability Operations fostered helpful investment — and pioneered an essential component of future missions.

Threats

From China, an Expansive and Dangerous View of Cyber Deterrence

One military researcher suggests pursuing it in ways that could prove destabilizing.

Ideas

How ISIS Appeals to Converts — and Ex-Criminals

Understanding both sides is key to figuring out how to slow recruitment.

Ideas

The Intelligence Community Must Remove Barriers to Minority Recruitment

National security demands a more diverse workforce to understand the world, but several things stand in the way.

Ideas

Drone Pilots Are Breaking the Old Definitions of Valor

Traditional notions of heroism don't always leave room for those U.S. troops engaged in high-tech, cutting edge warfare.

Ideas

Who Really Lost Iraq?

Obama didn’t turn victory into defeat. There was no victory.

Ideas

The US-Iran Conflict That Never Happened

One upside of talking to enemies.

Science & Tech

What's Known About China's Shadowy New 'Combat' Force

On the last day of 2015, China overhauled the way its military was structured, creating a new force that's received very little attention in the foreign press.

Ideas

The Diplomat-in-Chief Hits a National Security Trifecta

If Barack Obama were a Republican, Congress would have already named an airport after him.