Middle East
2021 Top Ten: Policy
From domestic extremism to China's challenges to lingering Mideast operations, defense leaders had their hands full.
The Combat Mission in Iraq Has Ended. But Troops Aren’t Coming Home
Train-advise-assist will continue, Pentagon says, with no force cuts planned.
Diplomacy Is the Key to Reducing US Forces in the Mideast
The Pacific pivot need not reduce Middle East security—if the U.S. can get its partners on board.
Defense One Radio, Ep. 88: How Air Warfare is Changing
Four experts describe lessons from Iraq, Azerbaijan, Gaza, and more.
US Troops, Afghans Killed by Explosion at Kabul Airport, Pentagon Says
Worsening security and the need to get all troops out is quickly closing the window to safely escape. ‘Today is likely last day,’ one memo advises.
Not For the First Time, COVID Takes Back Seat to a More Pressing Crisis
The evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan depends on cramming people into closed spaces—during a global pandemic.
Exclusive
Kabul Evacuee With Potential ISIS Ties Detained at Qatar Base
Up to 100 evacuees have been flagged for further scrutiny during the more comprehensive screening they received at their first stop after Afghanistan.
How One Tech Entrepreneur Is Scaling Up Veteran-Led Evacuation Efforts
Volunteers in the U.S. are telling fleeing Afghans where Taliban traps are.
US Flights Out of Afghanistan Set to ‘Increase Significantly’ as Aug. 31 Deadline Nears
More than 230 Air Force cargo, tanker aircraft are evacuating Americans, Afghans from Kabul.
The Next Big Refugee Crisis Just Started
The U.S. and its partners should respond to the needs of displaced Afghans, for national security reasons and long-term opportunities.
Taliban Take Presidential Palace as Kabul Falls With Americans, Afghans Still Trapped
U.S. races yet another 1,000 troops to Kabul. Total force on ground to jump to 6,000 within days.
Sanctions Won’t Hurt Iran’s UAV Program
The Biden administration should rethink its approach—and its real goals in the region.
Hold the UAE Accountable for Meddling in US Politics
Letting the Emirates go unpunished sends the wrong signal to perpetrators of foreign influence operations.
US Will End Combat Mission In Iraq, Biden Says
US needs to 'divert more of our body on threats in China and Russia,' says Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Hyten
First Wave of Afghan Interpreters Head to Fort Lee
Arriving families will stay for the moment in barracks or other housing; the State Department will pick up their food and medical costs.
Clarity on Afghanistan, Confusion on Iraq
Biden gave us clarity on Afghanistan and it’s time he does the same in Iraq.
Officials Deny American Troops Are Pulling Out Of Iraq as Strategic Talks Near
Biden will likely discuss the future of the American troop presence in Iraq when the prime minister visits Washington this month.
Afghans Own Whatever Comes Next, Biden Says
Rejecting critics, President Joe Biden said the United States isn’t responsible for Taliban gains, civilian deaths, or worsening women’s rights after American troops leave.
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