Ideas
It Was Never All or Nothing in Afghanistan
This is not something we hoped to see from national security leaders and a president we admire so much.
Threats
Petraeus Trashes Biden Decision to Quit Afghanistan
Pulling out now is an “unforced error,” the former commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan said. Other former war leaders say the threat can be managed.
Policy
‘We Will Leave' Afghanistan Likely This Year, Biden Declares
But not by May 1. "It's not my intention to stay there for a long time, the question is how and under what circumstance,” the president said, at the White House.
Ideas
America Needs to Take Charge of the ISIS Aftermath
Two years after the fall of the caliphate, the world should not leave this to the SDF.
Ideas
ISIS and Al-Qaeda’s Sub-Saharan Affiliates Are Poised for Growth in 2021
A rundown on jihadi groups’ expansion in the Sahel and Nigeria, the Horn of Africa, and the continent’s southeastern Swahili coast.
Threats
Photos Reveal Damage from Deadly Rocket Attack at US Base in Iraq
Monday night's attack caught U.S. personnel in their bunks and destroyed contractor living facilities.
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
My Brother Austin Asked Me to Go to Syria With Him. Four Months Later, He was Taken
Ask about Austin Tice. Bring him 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