Ideas

The Fatal Flaw in Trump's ISIS Plan

Can he keep both the Turks and the Kurds on his side?

Ideas

Congress, the President, and the Dwindling Oversight of War

Lawmakers’ tacit approval of modern military actions encourages more boundary-stretching.

Policy

Trump Releases Long-Delayed Cyber Order

The order was delayed so security and modernization programs can work in tandem, an official said.

Policy

Spy Chief Searching for Cuts Across Entire US Intelligence Community

Trump's new intelligence chief, Dan Coats, says he’s already moving on GOP lawmakers’ request to streamline all 17 agencies, including his own ODNI.

Science & Tech

Trump Wants ‘Goddamned Steam,’ Not Digital Catapults on Aircraft Carriers

The president's criticism of the USS Ford's EMALS 'blindsided' Navy officials.

Ideas

So Trump Is Arming Kurds...Then What?

Trump’s latest decision orders more US military intervention than Obama wanted. The more Americans and allies fight this war, the more they deserve a plan for the peace.

Ideas

Four Reasons Why Talking to North Korea Would Be Smart Strategy

Trump is right to try and negotiate — if his administration does it the right way.

Policy

Defense Ends Civilian Hiring Freeze, But Will Review 'Necessity' of Vacant Positions

Mattis sent a memorandum to department leadership Wednesday.

Policy

Why Putin Wants a Face-to-Face Meeting with Trump

Even after a third phone call in as many months between the two leaders, the ‘bromance’ has yet to materialize.

Ideas

Yemen Could Be the Key to Solving the Iran Problem

A proposal to transfer control of a Red Sea port could have wide-ranging effects on regional tension.

Ideas

Who Is In Charge of US National Security?

The administration’s flip-flopping on North Korea is only the latest incident to raise this question.

Ideas

How Trump Could Get China's Help on North Korea

Beijing is not going to pressure Pyongyang just because he tells them to.

Ideas

Normalizing Illegal Action May Be the Only Lasting Effect of Trump’s Syria Strike

A president has broad leeway to send American forces into harm’s way, but Trump has blown past the few constraints that remain.

Ideas

Can Trump’s Defense Department Get More For Less?

If the administration’s version of defense reform is to succeed, it must focus on a few key principles.

Business

Defense Industry Bulls Are Turning Bearish

Trump’s first hundred days in office have dampened execs’ hopes that he might bust through spending caps.

Policy

White House Wants to Bake Security Into New IT Projects

Trump’s top cybersecurity advisor has been tapped to help son-in-law Kushner ensure security is built into any new government tools from the beginning.

Ideas

South Sudan Needs UN Help. Will Trump’s Ambassador Lead the Way?

The magnitude of the war’s human cost now dwarfs nearly every other global conflict, with the exception of Syria.

Policy

President Trump's First 100 Days Could End in a Government Shutdown

The historical marker on April 29 will coincide with the expiration of federal funding—unless Congress can strike a bipartisan deal in time.

Ideas

Don't Let Trump Fool You, He's Still No Interventionist

Despite the cruise missiles in Syria and MOAB in Afghanistan, if you’re anticipating another military campaign the size of Libya’s in 2011, prepare to be disappointed.

Ideas

Here’s What 71 Years of US Presidential ‘Red Lines’ Have Taught Us

The country has walked to the brink of war or beyond with Iran, North Korea, Iraq, and Syria to prevent or stop them.