Policy
Biden’s $715B Defense Ask: Higher Than Expected, Lower than Trump’s Plan
“Skinny budget” announcement hints at cuts to troop levels and existing weapons.
Policy
White House Wants Industry Input on New Software Security Rules
The administration wants to make sure the private sector has the ability to weigh in on procurement standards in an impending executive order.
Ideas
Beware ‘Just Say China’ Politics
Republicans screamed for more spending to counter China. Democrats are claiming their infrastructure bill does just that. It’s a dangerous game.
Ideas
American Support is Needed to Resolve a POW Crisis in the Caucasus
Azerbaijan is illegally holding some 200 Armenian troops and civilian captives.
Policy
Experts Torn on Proper Role of National Cyber Director
Former officials say someone needs to coordinate government entities but weighed pros and cons to the position being located within the National Security Council.
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