Policy
Trump Says He Wanted To Assassinate Syria’s Assad
The revelation further undermines the president’s assertion that he has stood firmly between the Pentagon and war.
Ideas
Selling F-35s to the Middle East was Never Going to be Easy
To do it, and preserve Israel’s advantage, Trump must reinvigorate the consultative arms sales process with Congress.
Ideas
Donald Is No Dove
The president’s criticism of military contractors is belied by his commitment to fattening their pockets.
Ideas
How Washington Should Handle Turkey's Summer of Flex
Turkey looks less like a treaty ally and more like a competitor.
Exclusive
Threats
Exclusive: US Drops Death Penalty for ISIS ‘Beatles’
Atty. Gen. Barr's letter to the UK brings two ISIS fighters accused of beheading American journalists and aid workers closer to a U.S. trial.
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
US Troops Should Withdraw from Syria, Not Protect Oil Companies
Keeping 500 troops in-country to help Delta Crescent Energy drill only hurts America’s national security.
Threats
Top DOD Spox: No Conclusions Yet On Cause Of Beirut Explosion
Trump has claimed without evidence that the explosion might have been an “attack.”
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
How a Tiny Indian Ocean Island Could Force a US-UK Rift
Will the U.S. choose its closest ally over the international rule of law?
Ideas
Ending Accompanied Tours to the Gulf Is a Message Delivered at a Cost
The Pentagon wants Iran — and U.S. allies — to pay close attention to its decision to keep troops' families out of the region.
Threats
Top US General in Mideast: ‘I Do Worry About China Quite a Bit’
Beijing is trying “to establish a beachhead,” says U.S. Central Command’s Gen. Kenneth McKenzie. “I think this is a significant factor we need to confront.”
Ideas
Cool It With the ‘America In Decline’ Talk
Clear-eyed assessment, not reductive defeatism, is required to develop a foreign policy that meets U.S. interests.
Ideas
Is the Conflict in Libya a Preview of the Future of Warfare?
Drones. Mercenaries. Disinformation campaigns waged on social media.
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.
Threats