Ideas

The Trump Administration Just Missed Its Best Shot at a Military Buildup

In its first year, when big changes are easiest, the White House chose domestic cuts over national security.

Ideas

What Wounded Veterans Need: Medical Marijuana

The American Legion, representing millions of wartime vets, calls on Trump to loosen federal restrictions on medical marijuana research to help those suffering from PTSD, TBI, opioid abuse, and more.

Policy

NATO, Meet Donald Trump

A 28-member, 68-year-old alliance faces the conundrum of how to deal with the new American president.

Policy

Here’s How the Trump Budget Treats Cyber Defense

The budget hikes some cyber spending at DHS and FBI but cuts research and development.

Policy

Trump Budget Includes 1.9 Percent Pay Raise for Civilians, Retirement Cuts

Military personnel would see a 2.1 percent pay increase in 2018 under the proposal.

Ideas

The Trump Effect: One Path To A New NATO

The alliance must overcome three hurdles to revitalize trust and the transatlantic relationship, former senior NATO officials write.

Ideas

And So It Begins: Trump, Syria, and The Lessons of Iraq

With recent 'warning shot' at Assad, the US is trying to avoid escalation in Syria, not stoke it, sources say.

Ideas

There’s Less than Meets the Eye in Trump’s Saudi Arms Deal

It takes a lot of existing offers and future promises to add up to $110 billion.

Threats

New Tactics, Quicker Decisions Are Helping to ‘Annihilate’ ISIS, Pentagon Says

The military’s top leaders credit Trump for delegating authority and directing efforts to surround ISIS fighters.

Ideas

The US Just Bombed Pro-Assad Troops in Syria. What’s Next?

This could be the start of a larger escalation that includes direct military clashes with Iran or Iranian-backed proxies.

Threats

What the Special Counsel Appointment Means

The selection of former FBI Director Robert Mueller is a major escalation of the Russia investigation.

Threats

North Korea: The Military Options

What would a strike actually entail?

Ideas

What Happens When Intelligence Agencies Lose Faith in the President?

If bureaucrats restrict the information they share with political leaders, the damage could prove deep and lasting.

Policy

White House Vows to Audit the Pentagon, Which Would Be a First

The goal is audacious enough, but promises of a record spending increase makes it even more complicated.

Ideas

The Dangers of Presidential Indiscretions

President Trump had the legal right to declassify information—but by sharing sensitive intelligence with the Russians, he may have jeopardized national security.

Ideas

Foreign Leaders Have Realized Trump Is a Pushover

The president’s reported disclosure of classified information to Russia is only the latest example of the self-proclaimed great negotiator conceding to officials from overseas everything they want.

Ideas

Trump's Disclosures Are Another Win for Russia

Putin has long used the pretext of counterterrorism cooperation to get what he wants from the West. It just paid off again.

Ideas

The Terrible Cost of Trump's Disclosures

The consequences of the president’s reported divulgence of top-secret codeword information to the Russians are only beginning.

Policy

Gulf Leaders Still Love Trump

The UAE’s crown prince visits Washington today, pleased with the U.S. president’s embrace of Egypt’s al-Sisi and upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia.

Ideas

Trump’s Afghanistan Reset Needs a Soft-Power Mission, Too

Reconciliation and peace-building can only occur if there is an open dialogue and people are working towards a shared, communal interest.