Policy
The Senate is Poised to Pass the Yemen Resolution. Now What?
The House is almost certain not to take up the measure while Republicans are still in control. But what about next year?
Policy
The CIA Presented a ‘Smoking Gun’ on Khashoggi. What’s the Senate Going to Do About it?
Lindsey Graham and others emerged from a CIA briefing convinced that Trump and SecDef Mattis are wrong about the murder.
Policy
Lawmakers Probe Role of Special Operations in Great Power Competition
The two four-stars up to lead CENTCOM and SOCOM faced questions about how their commands will change under the National Defense Strategy.
Ideas
Saudis, Yemen War Leading New Democrats Away From Obama Foreign Policy
They also want to rein in presidential war powers.
Ideas
Trump's Iran-Centric Syria Policy Takes Shape
Congress likely won’t take action to rein in the military powers it granted the president after the 9/11 attacks—powers that Trump uses with the broad aim of countering Iran.
Business
Mattis ‘Optimistic’ Pentagon Will Get Needed Budget from White House, Democrats
Mattis tells nervous defense industry execs and conservatives at Reagan National Defense Forum he doesn’t expect sharp budget cuts from House Democrats and President Trump.
Policy
Warren’s Big Foreign Policy Speech? Simple and Irresponsible
Sen. Elizabeth Warren just gave a foreign policy speech that national security professionals who want U.S. global leadership should fear.
Ideas
The Senate Takes a Step to Void America’s Blank Check to the Saudis
Washington can continue to work with Riyadh, but it need never again accept flagrant violations of human rights, international norms, or U.S. national interests.
Policy
Senate Rebukes Trump in Historic Vote to Curtail Support for Saudi Campaign in Yemen
Lawmakers have tried for years to end U.S. involvement in Yemen. They just passed a big procedural hurdle, thanks to an empty chair at a Senate briefing.
Threats
Incoming HASC Chair: Scale Back Plans for New Nukes
Rep. Adam Smith laid out new terms for a debate over the Pentagon’s plans to expand the military’s nuclear arsenal.
Ideas
Nukes, the New Congress, and the Lost Art of Political Compromise
In the past, arms controllers and deterrence boosters compromised on deals that ultimately reduced nuclear dangers. No more.
Ideas
Lower House Poised to Take Upper Hand on National Security
Where are Congress’ new foreign-policy leaders? Look to the House's recently elected veterans and natsec pros.
Ideas
The Pentagon’s Getting More Secretive — and It’s Hurting National Security
Trump’s DoD is rolling back the kind of basic transparency that prevents waste and fraud, enables Congressional oversight, and promotes public trust.
Ideas
The Fiscal Calm Before the Storm
Next year’s budget will face three pressures that make it unlikely to be characterized as sustained or predictable.
Policy
Court OKs Suit Over Foreign Payments to Trump Business
U.S. lawmakers get permission to argue in court that the president is improperly receiving payment from foreign people, organizations, and governments.
Policy
Republicans Balk at Democrats’ Pledge to Snub Hackers
So far, only House Democrats have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable for how they plan to handle any stolen documents that come their way.
Policy
Hoping to Change Party's Image, Dems Marshal Veteran Candidates
“The Democratic Party just has a terrible brand within the military and we need to repair that. How do I hope to change it? Win. Get in."
Policy
McCain’s Likely SASC Successor Is No GOP Maverick
Sen. Jim Inhofe’s record suggests his Armed Services Committee will hew even more closely to Trump.
Ideas
John McCain, Nuclear Disarmament, and What Might Have Been
If McCain had become president in 2008, the world might have had far fewer nuclear weapons today.
Policy