Ideas
The Suez Grounding Was an Accident. The Next Blocked Chokepoint Might Not Be.
Military planners must bear in mind the tactic of blockships.
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
America Needs to Take Charge of the ISIS Aftermath
Two years after the fall of the caliphate, the world should not leave this to the SDF.
Threats
In Syria, US Commanders Hold the Line — and Wait for Biden
Troops maintain the status quo amid a counterterrorism success-turned-frozen war.
Ideas
Biden’s Idea for a Saudi Offensive Arms Halt Is Unfeasible
A solid defense needs a potent deterrent, which requires a credible offense.
Policy
Khashoggi Report Blames MBS; Biden Skips Sanctions For Crown Prince
Punishing MBS would put the United States in a “hostile” position with Riyadh, an administration official told reporters.
Ideas
The Biden Administration Is Taking Steps to Stay in Iraq Forever
A recent UN briefing reveals expansive goals for the U.S. war effort.
Threats
Troops Describe Night of Fire From Shadowy Iraqi Militants
After the first rocket struck the Erbil base on Monday, “everything happened pretty quickly.” But U.S. officials still aren't sure who's responsible.
Threats
Photos Reveal Damage from Deadly Rocket Attack at US Base in Iraq
Monday night's attack caught U.S. personnel in their bunks and destroyed contractor living facilities.
Breaking News
Threats
Rocket Attack Hits US Base in Iraqi Kurdistan; Casualties Reported
Five Americans wounded, including one US troop, and one non-U.S. civilian killed in attack claimed by an Iran-linked militia group, as indirect fire hits airport compound and other sites in Erbil.
Ideas
How to Cut the US Presence in the Middle East
Asking the military to pursue the same goals with fewer resources will not work.
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
Pushing Billions in Arms Sales Is Not an ‘Accomplishment’
It matters to whom the weapons are flowing and how they will be used.
Threats
Milley Meets With Taliban In Fragile Peace Negotiations
The Joint Chiefs chairman's meeting comes at a profound moment of uncertainty for the U.S.-brokered talks on Afghanistan.
Ideas