Ideas
Trump's Iran-Centric Syria Policy Takes Shape
Congress likely won’t take action to rein in the military powers it granted the president after the 9/11 attacks—powers that Trump uses with the broad aim of countering Iran.
Ideas
US Foreign Policy Could Use Some Bush-Era Prudence
George H. W. Bush’s restraint was remarkable, and worth imitating.
Policy
Decoding the Dance of Power: How Leaders Met MBS at the G20
With the killing of Jamal Khashoggi hanging over the Argentina summit, how leaders interacted with the Saudi crown prince revealed their relative positions of power.
Policy
White House Seeks Alternatives to Independent Space Force
Pentagon leaders were dutifully double-timing toward a new military branch. Then they got new marching orders.
Policy
Senate Rebukes Trump in Historic Vote to Curtail Support for Saudi Campaign in Yemen
Lawmakers have tried for years to end U.S. involvement in Yemen. They just passed a big procedural hurdle, thanks to an empty chair at a Senate briefing.
Threats
Trump’s Stance on Human Rights Faces Another Test
The Trump administration has been slamming Beijing for its Uighur internment camps. But some worry that criticism will go quiet after the G20.
Policy
Will Nikki Haley Be The Last Trump Official Who Stands Up to Russia?
The American ambassador to the UN, who is stepping down this year, is perhaps the Trump administration’s most forceful, but often solitary, critic of Moscow.
Ideas
The US Military Is Trump’s Favorite Prop
President Trump sent troops to the border even though they’re prohibited by law from stopping immigrants. He still hasn’t visited U.S. troops in a combat zone.
Policy
Trump to Stick with Saudi Arabia in Spite of Khashoggi Killing
The president reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Riyadh — and said the crown prince may have known of plans to murder the U.S.-based journalist.
Policy
Trump Attacks McRaven Because Everything's Political
In an interview on Fox News, the president dismissed William McRaven as a Hillary Clinton ‘fan’ and asked why it took so long to get the al-Qaeda leader.
Ideas
Mike Pence and The Return of Faith-Based Foreign Policy
In Asia, Trump's vice president delivered a Christian message all on his own.
Policy
Pentagon Began Clampdown on Senior Leaders’ Public Speaking Months Ago, Memos Reveal
DOD says it’s to save money and time. Critics say it’s to avoid conflict with the president.
Policy
Trump’s Visit Highlights Threads of Increasing Global Disorder
France’s Macron, who had wooed the new U.S. president, now decries “the selfishness of countries that regard only their own interests.
Policy
Trump's Space Force Faces an Uncertain Fate
Congressional lawmakers, including Republicans, were skeptical of the idea long before the midterms.
Policy
Trump Warns Against New Russia Probes by Congress
Incoming House intelligence chair: We “have a compelling interest in making sure that U.S. policy is not driven by leverage that the Russians have over the president.”
Policy
America’s Place in the World Was on the Ballot. It Lost.
Barely a word was heard about America’s fading claims to global leadership, or its wars and operations around the globe.
Ideas
Can Trump and Putin Save Nuclear Arms Control In Paris?
Their Nov. 11 meeting might just be their last chance.
Policy
What the Midterms Mean for National Security
House Democrats are poised to boost oversight of the Pentagon — and its commander-in-chief.
Ideas