Ideas

Don’t Divide the World Between Democracies and Autocracies

There are better ways to face our challenges than pushing for ideological blocs.

Ideas

Focus on Influence, Not Power, in the Middle East

People talk about U.S. power and influence as if they’re the same thing. That's a mistake.

Ideas

With Iran, First Prevent the Nukes

If Tehran gets the Bomb, every other regional problem immediately gets a lot harder.

Policy

Biden Nominee For Top Policy Post Grilled On Iran, Tweets

"I really believe that the controversy over your nomination is essentially a proxy war” for the Iran nuclear deal, said Sen. Kaine.

Threats

Militias in Iraq Provide Security, Wield Political Power, and May Be Tearing the Country Apart

The top U.S. commander there said Iraq may be headed for another civil war if the government can’t firm up control.

Policy

CIA Nominee Vows To Probe Mysterious Microwave Attacks

Longtime diplomat Bill Burns sailed through his confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

Ideas

We Must Reorient US Cyber Strategy Around the Only Safe Assumption

We should assume adversaries are already in our networks — and Congress should take these five steps to mitigate the damage.

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.