Threats

Bounties Are Part of Moscow’s Aid to the Taliban, Current and Former Intel Officials Say

It's not yet a foregone conclusion, but Russia has long been suspected of helping the militant group.

Ideas

Trump Admin Lacks Solid Plan to Reopen Federal Offices, GAO Says

Republicans say feds should swiftly go back to work: "It’s time to take our chances," one argues.

Policy

Trump Says Wisconsin Shipyard’s ‘Location’ Swayed Navy’s Frigate Award

The president also claims he’s made the service’s ships more beautiful.

Ideas

It’s Too Late for US-Russia-China Arms-Control Fantasies

As U.S. and Russian negotiators open two days of talks in Vienna, they should waste no more time talking about a tripartite agreement.

Ideas

Defund the Europeans

The U.S. never intended its German garrison to be permanent.

Ideas

Now Who’s Weak on China? Bolton Paints Trump as Ignorant and Servile

The GOP’s reelection effort to deflect criticism on ‘Beijing Biden’ is destroyed by Trump’s former national security advisor.

Ideas

Milley Is Trump's Latest Reluctant Enabler

Maintaining the balance between serving the president and protecting the Constitution is impossible over time.

Ideas

Why Soldiers Might Disobey the President’s Orders to Occupy US Cities

Because it might be their duty to do so. Two ethicists at Navy schools explain.

Ideas

Milley's Chance to Right His ‘Mistake’

The Joint Chiefs chairman now says he was wrong to walk with the president. Will he survive to push back a second time?

Policy

Trump Vows to Keep Confederates’ Names on US Army Bases

As the military wrestles with racism and its symbols, the commander-in-chief draws a line.

Ideas

We Need Joe Biden

Donald Trump has failed. Our national cohesion and security can’t wait another five years.

Ideas

Explainer: What Is Antifa?

Despite Trump's attempts to paint the movement as an organized threat, its members are decentralized, rarely violent, and focused on resisting the persecution of minority groups.

Ideas

Biden’s Foreign Policy Would Be Better Than Trump's, But Just Barely

The former vice president lacks a consistent philosophy of when and how to use military force.

Ideas

This is Not a Civil-Military Crisis

Recent statements by uniformed leaders are anodyne expressions about U.S. law. Those by retired four-stars are more problematic.

Policy

The Generals Are Speaking Up. Is That a Good Thing?

Scholars are warning about what others are celebrating as a necessary corrective to a commander in chief gone wrong.

Threats

Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change

After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.

Threats

Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear

Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.

Ideas

James Mattis Denounces Trump as a Threat to the Constitution

In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.

Policy

Esper Opposes Insurrection Act Use

Trump has threatened to invoke the act in order to use active duty troops to police protests.

Threats

Quieter Night In DC As Protests Continue Amid Large Militarized Response Force

The show-of-force angered protesters, but the crowds eventually dwindled without much police intervention.