Ideas
America’s Allies Seem to Be Moving On Without Trump
At the G7 meeting, leaders seemed to have given up on an agreement with him on trade, climate, and even whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is friend or foe.
Ideas
A Defining Moment for Trump’s Foreign Policy
A nation that itself broke free from colonial control has, under Trump, struggled to come up with a clear, consistent position on a massive demonstration from people in Hong Kong chafing at Chinese rule.
Policy
Trump Told the VA to Order ‘a Lot’ of Ketamine for Vets
The president wants to make a controversial new nasal spray available to depressed veterans. The agency says it will consider incorporating the drug after it has more data.
Ideas
Esper’s Foot-Dragging on Mega-Cloud Doesn’t Pass the Smell Test
The new defense secretary needs to stand up to his boss, who is inappropriately meddling in a Pentagon contract.
Ideas
Trump Has Defected from the Free World
The president crossed an important line when he canceled a meeting with the Danish prime minister.
Threats
US Army: No Afghanistan Withdrawal Plans Yet
“We have not received any direction to do anything at this point,” says Acting Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy.
Ideas
Trump’s Foreign-Policy Crisis Arrives
Competition between the U.S. and China may be inevitable, but if Trump and Xi mishandle the Hong Kong crisis, they could lose the ability to calibrate.
Ideas
The End of the Dan Coats Era
Whoever takes over from Coats permanently could serve as a needed voice of clarity about America’s biggest challenges—or see the intelligence community further sidelined.
Policy
Can US-Taliban Peace Talks End the War in Afghanistan?
U.S. officials say that they are close to reaching a deal with the Taliban, but peace in the country would still not be guaranteed.
Ideas
Trump's Thin Skin Is Hurting US National Security
The president’s aides are reluctant even to broach the dangers of white racist violence and electoral interference with him.
Policy
State Dept. IG: Hiring Freeze Hurt Border Security, Counterterrorism, and Other Priorities
Imposed by Rex Tillerson soon after Trump took office, the 16-month freeze crushed morale and hindered operations, the inspector general found.
Policy
White House Pauses Some Diplomatic Spending
The move could provide a path for OMB to circumvent spending levels spelled out by Congress.
Ideas
How 'Great-Power Competition' Became Washington's Favorite Frame
In just a few years, GPC went from being an arcane term to approaching a cliché.
Policy
Why Trump Cares About the Pentagon’s Mega-Cloud — and Why That Terrifies Those Who Want It
Breaking up the $10 billion JEDI network project will hurt the U.S. military’s effort to speed data to troops, its fans argue.
Ideas
Don’t Peg Troop Withdrawals to the Political Calendar
Reductions in the U.S. presence should be tied to conditions on the ground in Afghanistan.
Ideas
The INF Treaty Lapses Tomorrow. Trump & Putin Should Save It
Stability will ebb and danger rise if the U.S. and Russia allow the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty to lapse on Aug. 2.
Policy
One Theme Unites 2020 Dems: Rein in President’s War Powers
Many voted to repeal the old AUMFs; Buttigieg proposes a 3-year sunset.
Ideas
How Long Can Trump Keep Ignoring Kim’s Missile Tests?
It’s becoming harder for the president to overlook the fact that the man with whom he claims to have fantastic chemistry is literally going ballistic.
Ideas
The Missing Debate about Afghanistan
The president’s talk about “wiping” the country “off the face of the earth” highlights the need for a serious talk about U.S. goals and strategy.
Ideas