Policy
For Biden, Tough Talk on Saudi Arabia Meets Reality
‘We don't yet know exactly’ how Biden will change things, says CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie.
Threats
US Flies B-52 Bomber To Gulf In Show of Force Against Iran
“We were also thinking…'Would they try to test the U.S. military in the early days of the new administration?'”
Breaking News
Threats
Saudis Expanding US Military Access to Airfields, Port, to Counter Iran
The year-old initiative is intended to give CENTCOM “more options” in a fight, general reveals.
Threats
War Avoided, Biden Transition Brings ‘Opportunity’ for New Iran Relations, Top General Says
‘Our goal was to deter a war,’ said CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie of the past few months, en route to the region for his first visit under the new administration.
Ideas
Iran Will Still be a Slog
We can expect Tehran to use three tactics to seek advantage in negotiations.
Ideas
Gaslighting Can’t Obscure Trump’s Iran Failures
The Biden administration must make a firm break from Trump’s approach and restore the status quo ante.
Ideas
Biden Must Prioritize Missile Defense
The new president will be pressed to choose between short- and long-term improvements. The rise in threats mean he must pursue both.
Threats
CISA Warns About Iran’s Offensive Cyber Capabilities
One observer suggests the alert is meant more for the adversary than defenders.
Ideas
Biden Must Save the Iran Nuclear Deal Before It’s Too Late
The president-elect has a real but limited window to reinstate a deal that froze Tehran’s nuclear efforts.
Ideas
Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake
A proposed White House move would hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
Ideas
Biden Shouldn’t Toss All of Trump’s Foreign Policies
From ending forever wars to pressing allies to shoulder more of their defense loads, the next president should pursue at least some of his predecessor’s goals.
Policy
Is Iraq’s Military Good Enough for US Troops to Leave?
After 17 years of fighting Saddam, AQ, and ISIS, officials say support for Baghdad and its security forces remains key to fending off Iran.
Threats
Iran Using Voter Data to Spoof Floridians, Warn US Intelligence Leaders
Voting systems remain secure but Russia and Iran have obtained voter data, warn DNI Ratcliffe and FBI Director Wray.
Policy
Could Trump Assassinate A World Leader and Get Away With it?
Maybe. Scholars explain why the answer is as murky as the law.
Ideas
Assessing Trump’s National Security Record
How has he done against four main threats our nation faces?
Policy
Trump Says US Troops Will Leave Iraq ‘Shortly’ But Provides No Timeline
Pompeo said it would take place “as soon as we can complete the mission.”
Threats
Iran Is Our Top Priority, Says Senior US Commander In Middle East
Shiite military attacks have made it harder to fight ISIS, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said.
Ideas
Israel Needs Help Rebuilding Its Munitions Stockpile
The country’s ongoing campaign against Iran in Syria and Iraq has left it short of arms for a potential wider war.
Ideas
We Need a Better China Policy in the Middle East
With allies and direct lines to Beijing, Washington must do more to keep China’s presence in the region from becoming a threat.
Ideas