Ideas
Biden Just Gave France Something More Valuable than a Submarine Contract
The White House endorsement of European defense apart from NATO is worth more than a $66 billion deal with Australia.
Policy
Trump’s Red, White & Blue Air Force One Paint Job is Not Final, General Says
The concept image is “just something that’s on a paper,” according to Air Force acquisition official.
Threats
Biden Counters China’s Allegations Of A New ‘Cold War’ In UN Speech
The president’s remarks on human rights, freedom of navigation, and authoritarianism were a thinly veiled message to Beijing.
Policy
A Rahm Emanuel is Exactly What Japan Wants, Asia Scholars Say
What matters in American politics is not what matters to Tokyo.
Policy
Biden to Pitch Partnership at UN, Amid Tension With France and Other Allies
The withdrawal from Afghanistan “opens the chapter” for diplomacy, a senior administration official said.
Ideas
Generals Should Not Have to Break the Rules to Prevent Nuclear War
Rather than criticizing Milley, we need to change the policy that put him in an impossible spot.
Threats
Australia Will Get Nuclear-Powered Subs In New Partnership With US, UK
Dubbed AUKUS, the new security partnership will increase focus on the Indo-Pacific.
Threats
Milley’s China Calls During Trump Defeat Were ‘Lawful,’ Conveyed Reassurance, Pentagon Says
Some Republicans are seeking his ouster, but the Joint Chiefs chairman is the first to serve a guaranteed four years.
Policy
Congress’ Afghanistan Oversight Marred By Politics
Lawmakers overwhelmingly postured instead of asking America’s top diplomat real questions.
Ideas
The Forever War is Dead. Long Live the Forever War
The fight against terrorism will continue, yet our body politic is weakened by double-speak.
Ideas
What Went Wrong in Afghanistan?
The next decade will produce many studies to answer that question, but here is a preliminary answer from a long-term Afghanistan watcher.
Policy
Biden Will Announce $60M Security Aid to Ukraine To Counter Russia
The White House meeting with Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskyy will also reaffirm the partnership between the two countries.
Threats
The War on Terror—in Afghanistan and Elsewhere—Is Far from Over, Biden Says
The president vowed to continue counterterrorism efforts.
Threats
Not For the First Time, COVID Takes Back Seat to a More Pressing Crisis
The evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan depends on cramming people into closed spaces—during a global pandemic.
Exclusive
Threats
Kabul Evacuee With Potential ISIS Ties Detained at Qatar Base
Up to 100 evacuees have been flagged for further scrutiny during the more comprehensive screening they received at their first stop after Afghanistan.
Science & Tech
How One Tech Entrepreneur Is Scaling Up Veteran-Led Evacuation Efforts
Volunteers in the U.S. are telling fleeing Afghans where Taliban traps are.
Policy
Biden Holds to Aug. 31 Evacuation Deadline, But Orders Up ‘Contingency Plans’ for Afghanistan Pullout
Military, contracted planes have airlifted 87,900 people from Kabul as of Wednesday—but the Taliban is now clamping down on who can leave.
Policy
US Has Evacuated 42,000 from Kabul; 16,000 in last 24 Hours Alone, Pentagon Says
The pace is still rising; Taliban have threatened “consequences” if U.S. forces remain beyond Aug. 31.
Threats
Defense Secretary Orders US Airlines to Help With Evacuation
It's only the third time in history that the U.S. airlines have been mobilized by the military.
Policy