Threats
Putin Ups Efforts to Intimidate Ukraine and Its Allies
But experts say the mass mobilization does not suggest an imminent offensive.
Policy
Biden Taps Current, Former Defense Officials to Oversee Acquisition, Budget, Intel at Pentagon
A former comptroller would return to the job if the Senate approves.
Ideas
Don’t Divide the World Between Democracies and Autocracies
There are better ways to face our challenges than pushing for ideological blocs.
Ideas
China’s Belt and Road Effort Demands a Multipart US Response
U.S. inaction, as much as Chinese assertiveness, is responsible for America’s economic and strategic predicament, a Council on Foreign Relations task force finds.
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
Focus on Influence, Not Power, in the Middle East
People talk about U.S. power and influence as if they’re the same thing. That's a mistake.
Ideas
The GOP’s Fake Controversy Over Colin Kahl Is Just the Beginning
Senate Armed Services Committee Republicans who call Biden’s Pentagon-policy pick too political are fooling nobody.
Policy
Afghanistan Deadline is ‘Too Soon’ for Biden Administration, Top House Dem Says
‘Running for the exits pell-mell by May 1 is dangerous,’ said HASC Chairman Rep. Adam Smith, who backs pulling out ‘responsibly.’
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
Want an Agile Pentagon? Don’t Go Chasing ‘Waterfalls’
Four-year strategy reviews aren’t good enough. Biden’s Pentagon should take a page from software firms.
Ideas
What We Learned in the DNI’s New Election Report
The newly released assessment is more complex and comprehensive than its 2017 predecessor, reflecting just how much the issue of foreign interference has evolved.
Threats
In Syria, US Commanders Hold the Line — and Wait for Biden
Troops maintain the status quo amid a counterterrorism success-turned-frozen war.
Ideas
Biden’s Idea for a Saudi Offensive Arms Halt Is Unfeasible
A solid defense needs a potent deterrent, which requires a credible offense.
Ideas
Biden’s Interim National Security Guidance Is a Good, If Small, First Step
Next come the big questions: what is America’s current status, and where do we want to go?
Ideas
With Iran, First Prevent the Nukes
If Tehran gets the Bomb, every other regional problem immediately gets a lot harder.
Policy
Esper, McMaster, Panetta Endorse 9/11-Style Commission to Investigate Jan. 6 Insurrection
“We need to have serious people, independent people take a look at this,” Trump’s final confirmed defense secretary said.
Ideas
There’s a Better Way to Press for NATO Burden-Sharing
An assessment of alliance planning for 2014-18 shows what actually gets members to boost collective defense.
Business
Tie US Arms Exports to Values, Pentagon Policy Chief Nominee Says
Colin Kahl says sales to Saudi Arabia may change under Biden administration.
Policy