Policy
Bolton Fired as National Security Adviser. Who's Next?
Trump's third NSA is let go after being sidelined at major international events.
Policy
Do Americans Really Want to End 'Forever Wars?' Survey says...
Some surprises, and unsurprising party lines, are revealed in the latest Chicago Council poll on American foreign policy opinions.
Ideas
America’s Déjà-Vu Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Like Obama in Iraq, Trump wants to stop fighting before the war is done.
Threats
The Writing Was on the Wall With Afghanistan
The latest bout of bloodshed may have played some role in the actions Trump just took, but it is also a convenient out for an administration that had gone all in on a floundering initiative.
Ideas
How Not to Run the World
Once upon a time, the American commitment to regularity in meetings and reasoned decision making allowed the rest of the world to sleep a little easier.
Ideas
The Mattis Two-Step
The forever general’s attempt to "stay out of politics" is bringing him right into it.
Ideas
The Man Who Couldn’t Take It Anymore
“I had no choice but to leave,” James Mattis says of his decision to resign as President Trump’s secretary of defense.
Threats
Alleged Israeli Strikes Bring US to Crossroads in Iraq
The Pentagon is worried that attacks on Iran-linked targets could damage its relationship with Baghdad. But what does the White House want?
Ideas
Saudi Arabia and Israel Are Growing Closer. Why?
The simple answer is Iran. But there is a more complex answer as well.
Ideas
Trump’s Unpardonable Admission About His Border Wall
The president wants to spend billions of taxpayer dollars for a project that he acknowledges is largely symbolic—even if it breaks the law.
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