Policy
Five Questions Raised by Michael Flynn's Abrupt Departure
Who in the White House knew that the national security adviser had misled Mike Pence, and when? Who will replace him? And what will be the next bombshell?
Ideas
The US and Iran Are Not Yet on a Course to War
Despite bellicose words, both sides have also demonstrated elements of restraint.
Ideas
There's No One At the Helm of White House Foreign Policy
Flynn’s departure won’t solve the Trump administration’s central dysfunction.
Ideas
President Trump, Viewed through NATO’s Guide to Russian Information Warfare
Russia uses theft, narratives, lies, trolls, and bots to weaken Western governments. The U.S. president is playing into its hands.
Policy
Will Trump Repeal Sanctions on Russia? A Conversation with an NSC Planner
We asked Kevin Harrington, deputy assistant to the president for strategic planning, whether he could square the mixed signals coming from the White House.
Policy
Michael Flynn's Disaster
Trump’s national security adviser’s potentially false statements about his pre-inauguration contacts with Russian officials are a major problem.
Ideas
Why Did Trump Pick a Fight with Putin Over the Nuclear Weapons Treaty?
President Trump took a hard line over New START with Russia. It's an odd battle to choose -- and a dangerous one.
Ideas
Trump’s Dangerous 'Dishonest' Message to the Troops
It’s politics when a candidate disparages “the media.” But it’s potentially dangerous when the commander in chief tells U.S. troops not to trust the reporters who cover them.
Ideas
US Counterterrorism Strategy Must Be About More than ISIS
Even as Trump focuses on the Islamic State, other dangerous groups need attention.
Ideas
President Trump Sets a Remarkable Bar for Critiquing His Military Operations
The president took to Twitter to argue that publicly discussing the success or failure of a mission 'only emboldens the enemy.'
Ideas
'You’re Fired!' Will Not Fix Federal Cybersecurity
Sacking agency heads after a breach won’t make data and systems safer. Here’s what will.
Ideas
The Right — and Wrong — Lessons of Trump’s Yemen Raid
Americans have to allow its elite men and women to be aggressive, to take risks, and to, on occasion, fall short.
Policy
Pentagon Spells Out Details of Troops' New Retirement System
The blended package goes into effect in 2018.
Threats
Trump's Travel Ban Will Not 'Help' ISIS Recruitment
The trope posits an overly simplistic understanding of jihadist radicalization, and demeans Muslims in general.
Science & Tech
Some DHS Employees Are Suspicious of 'Extreme Vetting'
The Department of Homeland Security has 30 days to figure out what "extreme vetting" means. Some DHS officials and counterterrorism experts find the concept dubious.
Policy
CIA, ODNI Get Exemption from Trump's Hiring Freeze
Agency leaders are told that if someone would work during a government shutdown, their job can be filled during the freeze.
Policy
Defense Department Hiring Freeze Rules Coming Soon
Here are some of the civilian exemptions senators are demanding to Trump's federal freeze-out.
Business
Trump Says He Fixed F-35 Program in Two Months
The president says the project is “now in good shape,” but pledges to continue considering Super Hornet bids from Boeing.
Policy
'We Are Better than this Ban': US Diplomats Plan Official Dissent
White House to State Department: “They should get with the program or they should go.”
Policy