Threats
Defense Secretary Orders US Airlines to Help With Evacuation
It's only the third time in history that the U.S. airlines have been mobilized by the military.
Policy
US Helicopters Rescued 169 Americans Outside Airport; More Ops Could Follow
Biden “will mobilize every resource necessary” to save more, but U.S. has yet to test Taliban checkpoints. Meanwhile, fuel-strained air operations resume.
Ideas
The Pentagon Must Prep Now for the Next Pandemic
We must take stock of the myriad ways the U.S. military has helped fight COVID-19—and learn to do even better.
Policy
More Seats Than Passengers: Paperwork, Taliban Slow Afghanistan Evacuation
But the pace is picking up. Some 6,000 "will soon board planes," a State Department spokesman said.
Exclusive
Policy
Trump’s Pledge to Exit Afghanistan Was a Ruse, His Final SecDef Says
Chris Miller now says talk of a full withdrawal was a “play” to convince a Taliban-led government to keep U.S. counterterrorism forces.
Policy
‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says
For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.
Policy
‘Cannot Ensure Safe Passage’: US Tells Americans in Kabul to Get to Airport On Their Own
Biden says U.S. forces may have to stay past Aug. 31 to help evacuate stranded personnel.
Policy
Air Force Launches Investigation Into Deadly Kabul C-17 Flight
Mobbed by civilians, the Globemaster crew raced to get back in the air. The service’s investigations office will look into the deaths that followed.
Policy
US Ramps Up Emergency Kabul Airlift to Get 5,000 to 9,000 Out Per Day
American commanders are in direct talks with Taliban, who now control all outside access to the airport
Policy
Panic at Kabul Airport Imperils Evacuation Flights; At Least Two Afghans Dead
U.S. warns that any attacks on evacuation will meet “a forceful response,” but how long will the Taliban hold off?
Ideas
The Pentagon Needs a Strategy That Does Not Hinge on Fragile Networks
A failed wargame should make us think twice about “connect-everything” plans.
Ideas
We Never Did What Was Necessary in Afghanistan
We lost. It’s painful and infuriating, but a few more troops and a little more time would change nothing.
Threats
The US Spent $83 Billion Training Afghan Forces. Why Did They Collapse So Quickly?
The U.S. is rushing enough airpower to evacuate thousands as the Taliban advances on Kabul.
Threats
The Taliban Captured Helicopters. Can They Capture an Air Force?
These are the lethal warplanes that could fall under Taliban control.
Ideas
John Allen: Biden Must Reverse His Decision to Quit Afghanistan
The administration must act now. Here’s what they must do.
Threats
Globe-Spanning Wargame Puts New Naval Concepts to the Test
Large Scale Exercise 21 is connecting thousands of sailors and Marines to try out and develop warfighting concepts intended to be central to tomorrow's fight.
Policy
What Will Decrease Training Deaths? More Training, GAO Says
A recent increase in non-combat vehicle deaths could be reversed with more, better training, GAO’s newest report says.
Threats
