Breaking News Threats

Rocket Attack Hits US Base in Iraqi Kurdistan; Casualties Reported

Five Americans wounded, including one US troop, and one non-U.S. civilian killed in attack claimed by an Iran-linked militia group, as indirect fire hits airport compound and other sites in Erbil.

Ideas

Don’t Discount America’s Interest in Keeping Africa Safe

As the Pentagon removes more troops, consider what its modest investment has garnered.

Exclusive Policy

Trump Officials Reviewing DOD Support To CIA

Some officials familiar with the review see it as an effort to cut vital DOD support to the agency.

Ideas

The Next Administration Should Bring the Shadow Wars into the Light

Lethal tactics and entire campaigns launched urgently after 9/11 have corroded oversight and American standing.

Ideas

As Spotlight Fades, What Next for Special Operators?

Under Trump, the Pentagon's ‘service secretary’ in charge of SOF has changed hands eight times between seven people.

Threats

Thousands of US Troops Will Remain in Afghanistan Past Christmas

They won't be home for Christmas. Trump's national security advisor says the president was only expressing a "desire" with that tweet.

Ideas

'Esper's Lie?' I Don't Think So

After nearly a generation of dominating focus on counterinsurgency operations, the U.S. military is underprepared in 2020 for great power competition.

Ideas

The 20th Year of the Afghanistan War Should Be America’s Last

U.S. national security interests do not depend on the outcome of the peace talks. It’s time to come home.

Ideas

Lebanon Needs More than US Sanctions

Hezbollah must go. Here's how the international community can help develop a democratic and secular system that works for the people. 

Ideas

Esper's Convenient Lie

The defense secretary's claim that the two decades of countering violent extremism left the U.S. under-prepared for a near-peer fight doesn’t hold water.

Ideas

19 Years After 9/11, Politicians Need to Stop Overhyping Threats

From China to disinformation, our fear of fear itself is tearing us apart and making us less safe.

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.