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.
Ideas
John Allen: Biden Must Reverse His Decision to Quit Afghanistan
The administration must act now. Here’s what they must do.
Policy
US Will End Combat Mission In Iraq, Biden Says
US needs to 'divert more of our body on threats in China and Russia,' says Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Hyten
Policy
Transfers Alone Won’t Close Guantanamo Bay
Legal experts say the Biden administration must fix the sluggish trial process to actually close the military prison.
Policy
First Wave of Afghan Interpreters Head to Fort Lee
Arriving families will stay for the moment in barracks or other housing; the State Department will pick up their food and medical costs.
Ideas
Clarity on Afghanistan, Confusion on Iraq
Biden gave us clarity on Afghanistan and it’s time he does the same in Iraq.
Policy
Officials Deny American Troops Are Pulling Out Of Iraq as Strategic Talks Near
Biden will likely discuss the future of the American troop presence in Iraq when the prime minister visits Washington this month.
Threats
French, U.S. Special Forces Agree to Beef Up Partnership in Africa
The new agreement shows that counterterrorism will still be a top focus for the Pentagon.
Policy
Afghans Own Whatever Comes Next, Biden Says
Rejecting critics, President Joe Biden said the United States isn’t responsible for Taliban gains, civilian deaths, or worsening women’s rights after American troops leave.
Policy
Fighter Jets Leave Afghanistan as US Departs Bagram
Withdrawal from the mammoth base comes as officials continue to seek access elsewhere in the region.
Policy
Air Strikes Renew Battle Over War Authorizations
Some lawmakers are using Sunday’s strikes in Iraq and Syria to push for keeping a two-decade-old statute, but law experts say their arguments don’t hold water.
Threats
Afghanistan is ‘Not a Winnable War,’ White House Says as Taliban Storms Country
President Ghani leaves Washington empty handed, as Biden rejects Republican calls to reverse U.S. troop withdrawal.
Breaking News
Threats
Austin Asks Top General For ‘Options’ to Evacuate Afghans
Operation would need authorization from White House, which is not yet “actively pursuing” the idea.
Ideas
Don’t Just End the War in Afghanistan, Repeal the Resolution That Authorized It
No current threat remotely justifies roving presidential authority to wage war on multiple continents.
Threats
Pentagon Studying How Counterterrorism Fits Into Great Power Competition
The Pentagon has not previously discussed how to use counterterrorism capabilities for great power competition. Now that’s changing.
Threats
DHS, DOJ Look to Spend Big on Countering Violent Domestic Extremism
New money, new programs will fight what officials described as a growing problem.
Ideas
Redraw the Limits on Lethal Force Against Terror Groups
As the Biden administration reviews policies for use of lethal force outside war zones, it must be certain it’s not perpetuating a cycle of “forever wars.”
Policy
No ‘Boogeyman’: Why the Bin Laden Raid Might be the Last Unifying Moment for US Foreign Policy
The changing threat facing the country and a growing political divide means there’s no common enemy around which Americans can unite.
Ideas
Ten Years After Bin Laden, We Still Need Better Intelligence Sharing
Leaders should still apply the lessons we learned, when contending with China and Russia.
Ideas