Policy
Milley, McKenzie detail mistakes that led to Afghan evacuation chaos
The retired generals blamed the State Department for the debacle at Hamid Karzai airport. But it’s not that simple.
Policy
State Department wants reliable news, internet connectivity in the Pacific
U.S. is funding journalism fellowships and undersea cable access in the region.
Threats
Foreign abusers of commercial spyware hit with new visa restrictions
The Biden administration is hoping to deter the use of advanced surveillance tools.
Business
2023 sees new record for US government-to-government arms exports, boosted by Ukraine aid
The year’s $80.9 billion total for Foreign Military Sales is up more than half from the previous year.
Threats
US approving arms for Israel ‘case-by-case,’ State official says
Stan Brown says Ukraine, Israel aren’t generally competing for similar weapons aid.
Threats
U.S. government shutdown could slow weapons transfers to Ukraine, Taiwan
Contracting and arms transfer vetting departments may not be able to process new requests.
Ideas
The Pentagon is the wrong agency to lead the new US deterrence strategy
If integrated deterrence is to succeed, the hammer must not be the tool of first resort.
Policy
Ukraine F-16 Training Approval Will Likely Take Months, US Official Says
U.S. officials must also approve the jet transfers themselves.
Defense Systems
State Department Worries About Cyber Vulnerabilities Amid Debt Debate
The department wants to spend nearly $1 billion on cybersecurity in 2024 to improve networks and communications devices.
Threats
Marines Update Evacuation Playbook
A pre-deployment exercise allowed the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to practice what they learned from the Afghanistan withdrawal and other non-combatant evacuation operations.
Ideas
A Slim Rhetorical Wedge Could Drive China and Russia Apart
U.S. officials must skip no opportunity to remind Moscow that it is Beijing's junior partner.
Ideas