Ideas
The Problem With the SecDef Purity Test
You don’t want a general, a man, a war veteran — and everyone in the defense industry is evil?
Ideas
Congress Should Vote ‘No’ on Austin. It Likely Won’t.
It's hard to vote against a popular general. That's one reason why lawmakers barred the appointment of recently retired officers as defense secretary.
Policy
Biden Selects Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin for Defense Secretary, Reportedly
Austin, the last commander of the Iraq War, would be the nation's first Black defense secretary.
Exclusive
Policy
Trump Admin to Rename Two Bases for Space Force Over Military Objections
The Air Force had quietly agreed with Congress not to change anything until the NDAA settles a way forward on Confederate base names.
Ideas
The Hidden Dangers in Biden’s Foreign Policy
The president-elect’s stated agenda will antagonize China and lead to conflict.
Ideas
Biden Must Save the Iran Nuclear Deal Before It’s Too Late
The president-elect has a real but limited window to reinstate a deal that froze Tehran’s nuclear efforts.
Policy
2021 NDAA Would Create a National Cyber Director
If the bill passes next week and is signed into law, another amendment would codify cybersecurity roles for sector-specific agencies.
Ideas
America Needs a COVID-19 Reckoning
Both parties wanted answers after 9/11. The pandemic has killed nearly 100 times more Americans.
Threats
Krebs Unloads About Trump’s Election-Fraud Claims
The former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency worries that his firing will hurt the recruitment of future leaders.
Exclusive
Policy
EXCLUSIVE: Details Revealed in Trump’s Lame-Duck Pentagon Budget Draft
Some of the numbers are “fabricated,” says one official. But they shed light on GOP lines of attack awaiting Biden.
Ideas
Biden Has Many Good Choices at SecDef
I’m rooting for Flournoy, but she’s not the only one who would do well.
Ideas
How Biden and Kerry Could Rebuild America’s Global Climate Leadership
Kerry’s decades of experience and the international relationships he developed as a senator and secretary of state may give him a chance.
Ideas
Tapping Flournoy as SecDef Would Be a Really Big Deal
A natsec black belt and outstanding leader, the former policy undersecretary would also be uniquely positioned to implement some long-overdue personnel changes.
Policy
Dems See GOP Electioneering in Air Force Choice of Georgia for C-130 Base
A Trump appointee wants Air National Guard planes sent to the state that holds the key to Senate control.
Ideas
The Next Administration Should Bring the Shadow Wars into the Light
Lethal tactics and entire campaigns launched urgently after 9/11 have corroded oversight and American standing.
Ideas
Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake
A proposed White House move would hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
Threats
Biden Team Highlights Cybersecurity With First Cabinet Picks
Familiar faces will likely have to revisit efforts around information-sharing and establishing global norms.
Ideas
