Ideas
The Difference Between a Killer and a Terrorist
Two mass murders reveal how difficult—and important—it is to correctly identify terrorism when it occurs.
Ideas
Neither Precise Nor Proportionate
Trump’s attack on Syria was unserious but intended to relieve emotional pressure—and in many ways, worse than doing nothing at all.
Ideas
Trump's Syria Strategy Actually Makes Sense
And it does not involve a commitment to change the horrible and predictable outcome of the civil war.
Threats
If Trump Won't Lead in Syria, Someone Else Will
Unless the president can articulate and lead a plan, Syria’s future will be determined by Russia, Iran, and Turkey.
Ideas
Going BRAC-less: What to Do with the US Military’s Excess Property
The Pentagon is offering an alternative to closing bases, and Congress should support it.
Threats
Assad Defies Another American President
The Syrian strongman saw the red line on sarin as a green light to do everything else.
Threats
What Is America Going to Do About Syria Now?
After the latest suspected chemical attack, the United States has four options.
Ideas
The Logic of Assad's Brutality
No meaningful American response will be forthcoming, no matter how hideous the war crime.
Ideas
Trumpism: Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Stick
'It’s entirely possible that the blowup is just yet to come,' says one observer of the president’s foreign policy.
Ideas
Saudi Crown Prince: Iran's Supreme Leader 'Makes Hitler Look Good'
In a wide-ranging conversation, Prince Mohammed bin Salman also recognized the Jewish people’s right to “their own land.”
Policy
Trump's 'Very Soon' Withdrawal From Syria Is Exactly What Many Troops Feared
What the president said is exactly what some special operations forces worried would happen — under President Hillary Clinton.
Threats
Trump's 'Good Relationship' With Russia Is Slipping Away
By shuttering a consulate and expelling 60 diplomats in response to the spy poisoning in Britain, he’s taken a remarkably hard line against Putin.
Ideas
John Bolton Is Misunderstood
The actual track record of Trump’s next national-security adviser offers cause for cautious optimism.
Policy
How John Bolton Views US Allies and Adversaries
His 2007 memoir lays out the incoming national-security adviser’s worldview.
Threats
How Much Does Artificial Intelligence Threaten National Security?
One lawmaker proposed a commission to examine the emerging tech through a national security lens.
Ideas
The Administration Must Explain Its Use-of-Force Theories. Today.
That's not just a good idea; it's the law. A report to Congress is due on Monday.
Policy
Trump Says His New Tariffs Are About National Security. They’re Not.
Few people believe him, and that’s a problem for him—and the world.
Ideas
Whatever Happened to Trump's Counterterrorism Strategy?
His approach borrows from his predecessors’, while exacerbating their worst, most counterproductive tendencies.
Ideas