Ideas
Make No Mistake: A Syrian Safe Zone is a Major Intervention
Safe zones can work if great powers and regional actors are united and committed to protecting civilians. These conditions don’t exist in Syria.
Business
Obama Should Have Given Weapons to Ukraine, Says Former Pentagon Russia Official
Evelyn Farkas, who stepped down last week as the Pentagon’s top policy official for Russia and Ukraine, says the U.S. should open a military base in Eastern Europe to send a message to Vladimir Putin.
Policy
Can the US Military Help the White House and Israel Move Beyond Iran?
The Iran-inspired breakdown in relations between Obama and Bibi has meant that Defense Secretary Ash Carter is now point man on maintaining the relationship.
Ideas
The US Coast Guard Is (Quietly) Building Up Allies in the Arctic
A new forum frees up Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the U.S. and Russia to talk formally about security in a way prohibited by the Arctic Council charter.
Policy
A Weakened Bush Swings at Rubio; Rising Rubio Aims at Clinton
Jeb goes negative, along with his poll numbers, awkwardly aiming at Rubio's absent Senate record.
Threats
Russia Is Forcing the Pentagon to Rewrite Its European Playbook
The U.S. military is looking at ways to better prepare its troops to counter and deter Moscow, which continues to surprise U.S. officials with its military moves.
Policy
Hillary Clinton Defends Hawkish Record in First Democratic Debate
But the expected “she voted for the Iraq War” line of attack didn't stick to the former secretary of state's superlative national security credentials.
Policy
How Fear Slammed America’s Door on Syrian Refugees
As millions flee from war to uncertainty or death, ‘national security concerns’ have kept US arrivals to a trickle.
Threats
U.S., Russia Discussing Deconfliction in Syria — One Day After Russian Strikes Begin
Also: Pentagon officials say Russian strikes didn’t hit ISIS targets as Moscow claims.
Policy
The Real Audience for Obama’s U.N. Speech Was Republicans
Though he was speaking in an international forum, the president’s message actually seemed targeted at the 2016 GOP field.
Policy
Putin Makes the Case For Dictators With UN Speech
Obama and Putin both want to defeat ISIS. But their visions for how the world should look after its defeat don't match up.
Policy
Who Cares If Russia Helps Stabilize Syria
If Putin and Obama don't want a fight, Moscow and Washington should get over themselves and let this work.
Policy
Can the U.S. Trust China to Stop Stealing Business Secrets?
Obama threatened sanctions, but proving responsibility for a cyberattack will be difficult.
Policy
Obama, Xi Reach Agreement Over Chinese Data Thefts
The two leaders agreed that neither government would conduct or knowingly support web enabled theft of intellectual property.
Threats
Obama, Putin Will Meet About Syria
With their military forces both engaged in a single war-torn country, the leaders will meet during the UN General Assembly.
Threats
Japan Just Authorized Its Most Assertive Military Stance in Decades
In a major shift for East Asian security, the Japanese defense forces will play a broader role in the region under a controversial new law.
Threats
As Moscow Sends Fighter Jets Into Syria, US and Russian Defense Chiefs Open Talks
Four Russian Flankers have arrived at Moscow’s forward operating base in Syria, Pentagon confirms.
Ideas
How This US Navy Admiral Gives In to China Is Exactly What's Wrong With US Power Today
Authoritarian regimes are taking advantage of US passivity to gain territory, a phenomenon many thought extinct.
Policy
Debate Shows GOP Candidates Remain Divided Over How To Use the Military—and When
On national security, the Republican field continues to offer as many plans filled with blanks as criticisms.
Policy