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
Trump’s All-Stick, No-Carrot Approach Has Brought Two US Adversaries Together
The blooming China-Iran bilateral relationship serve as a warning to U.S. policymakers.
Ideas
Force Won’t Much Slow Iranian Nuclear Progress, But Something Else Can
The historical record shows that diplomacy can do what force alone has not.
Science & Tech
Iran Is Increasing Its Military and Cyber Activity, Report Says
After a big drop in April, Iran’s conventional military activity is up. Cyber operations never slowed down.
Ideas
The US Takes a Small, Insufficient Step To Help Iran Control Its COVID Outbreak
A leaked USAF intelligence report highlights growing concern about the impact of sanctions amid the global pandemic.
Threats
Will the US Navy Sink Iranian Fast Boats in the Gulf? Maybe, Maybe Not
It may be time to formalize how orders are passed from the White House to the military.
Ideas
The US Should Help Iran Get the Coronavirus Under Control
Easing sanctions will help confront a global pandemic and win back some goodwill from ordinary beleaguered Iranians.
Ideas
What Will Iran Do As the US Negotiates a Withdrawal from Afghanistan?
Tehran is eager to deepen its influence on Kabul, the Taliban, and other Afghan actors.
Threats
Iran Threat Remains ‘Very High,’ US General Says
Amid Trump's maximum pressure policy, Iran still “actively” trying to destabilize the region, says CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie.
Threats
US-Led Airstrikes Underway in Iraq; Retaliation Against Iran-Backed Group That Killed Americans
The operation against Kata’ib Hezbollah is targeting weapons storage facilities.
Threats
General Takes Blame for ‘No Injuries’ Declaration After Jan. 8 Iran Strike
“I was never under any pressure at any time to shade this reporting,” CENTCOM’s Gen. Frank McKenzie told Congress. More than 100 troops later were diagnosed with TBI.
Threats