Ideas
Why Don’t The Dead Matter?
Far too few Americans seem to feel genuine compassion for the dead, even among their fellow citizens. Our endless wars may be to blame.
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.
Ideas
The ‘Domestic Terrorist’ Designation Won’t Stop Extremism
Neither the historical record nor today's decentralization suggest that a government designation will have much effect
Ideas
Terrorists Aren’t Staying In Jail as Long as You Might Think
Most convicted of terror offenses stay just a few years, and receive far too little rehabilitation support before and after they leave.
Ideas
We Must Continue Fighting Terrorism as Relentlessly as the Coronavirus
There’s no miracle drug for stopping terrorism. It is controllable, but never curable.
Ideas
Finding ‘The End’ to Our Story in Afghanistan May Be The Best We Could Do
There are Taliban peace talks in my novel, too. No spoilers, but you can bet how that goes.
Threats
US-Led Airstrikes Underway in Iraq; Retaliation Against Iran-Backed Group That Killed Americans
The operation against Kata’ib Hezbollah is targeting weapons storage facilities.
Ideas
The US Should Send More, Not Fewer, Troops to West Africa
America’s interests and unique security partnerships in this burgeoning region argue for more help, not less.
Ideas
Beware a Peace Deal That May Spell War
There are important questions still to be answered about Afghanistan and the United States.
Ideas
White-Supremacist Violence Is Terrorism
As commander of all U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, I fought America’s enemies abroad. Now we must fight violent, hateful ideologies at home.
Ideas
To End America’s War in Afghanistan, US Troops Can’t Leave Yet
Walking away out of frustration — especially during peace talks — is as empty a strategy as doubling down out of optimism.
Threats
Kenya Base ‘Surprisingly’ Undefended During Attack, US Officials Say
The Jan. 5. attack by al-Shabaab killed three Americans came as the Pentagon considers a further drawdown of its African presence.
Ideas
Who Gets to Tell the Story of the Afghanistan War?
The Washington Post’s ‘Afghanistan Papers’ is the latest contribution to a growing argument over whether the conflict — or any of the ‘forever wars’ — was worth the cost.
Threats
Eleven US Troops Were Injured in Jan. 8 Iran Missile Strike
The troops were medevaced this week to Germany and Kuwait to be treated for traumatic brain injury after experiencing concussion symptoms.
Ideas
Who’s Next? Trump Crossed a Line with Soleimani’s Assassination
The Iranian was much more than a general. Who else is the U.S. president willing to kill?
Threats
Amid Rising Tensions: A Conversation with Pakistan’s Ambassador
Asad Majeed Khan discusses the U.S. troop pullout in Afghanistan, the worsening situation in Kashmir, and efforts to fight extremism.
Policy
Trump Officials Meet With Libyan Politician Aligned With Opposition ‘Strongman’ In Potential Policy Shift
US support for the UN-recognized Libyan government is in question after a series of quiet meetings with an enterprising presidential hopeful.
Threats
General: Trump Pullout Did Not Affect Baghdadi Raid Timing
“We struck because the time was about right,” said CENTCOM’s Gen. Frank McKenzie, of intelligence and other factors.
Ideas
The Current US Approach to Terror Is a Recipe for Forever War
Defusing terrorist groups requires helping the communities they exploit, not just shooting their leaders.
Ideas