Policy

Trump Sparks Outrage with Claims That Rocks Should Be Treated As Firearms

But there is precedent for firing on rock-throwers on the border. CBP agents have done so on numerous occasions.

Ideas

The Lesson of Saruman

Tolkien has a warning to erstwhile #NeverTrumpers who are now choosing to ally with power rather than hold to their values.

Ideas

Trump Needs Help Picking Between His Contradictory Foreign-Policy Desires

Unfortunately, not even a 21st-century version of Eisenhower’s Solarium planning exercise is likely to help.

Ideas

Four Perfectly Trump Reasons Why He Wants Out of the INF Treaty

Within the president's haphazard foreign policy, there is logical coherence to him quitting a nuclear treaty Russia ignores. But it won’t make us safer.

Ideas

Trump Hobbled Efforts to Counter Violent Extremism

The administration cut programs designed to prevent atrocities like Pittsburgh.

Ideas

In a Post-Khashoggi World, Impunity Will Reign

The ugly geopolitics in the wake of the Saudi journalist’s death point to a new era of impunity.

Threats

China, Russia Listening in on Trump’s Phone Calls

China is trying to figure out "arguments that work" to help it lobby Trump over the trade war, the New York Times reported.

Policy

Pentagon Officials Debating How Fast to Launch Space Force, Deputy Says

White House panel announces formal recommendations, while Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan confirms NRO will remain apart from Space Force.

Policy

Pompeo's Foreign Policy? Follow Trump's Lead

Pompeo has responded to the Khashoggi affair in lockstep with Trump.

Policy

Mattis Asks Trump to OK US Space Command, Pick Leaders

The Pentagon has made a number of internal moves to create the 11th combatant command.

Ideas

The Week That Tied Mideast Experts in Knots

Sanctions are not always bad, engagement is not always good, and transactional policy cuts both ways.

Policy

The Khashoggi Affair Will Change the US-Saudi Relationship

Even if the storm largely blows over, U.S. law means some aspects will never be the same.

Ideas

Trump Asks, 'I Mean, What's an Ally?'

In the president's world, there is no higher question than “who’s getting paid?”

Ideas

Human Rights Have Evaporated from America’s Saudi Policy

The administration’s reticence about the disappearance of a Saudi journalist is offensive, but it’s also clarifying.

Ideas

What Happens to the World When America Stops Standing for What’s Right?

The disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi drives home the consequences of the Trump administration’s refusal to champion democratic values around the globe.

Ideas

Congress Is Forcing a Reluctant White House to Confront Saudi Arabia

The Jamal Khashoggi crisis may finally push lawmakers to put real pressure on Mohammed bin Salman.

Ideas

Who Will Replace Nikki Haley?

Trump has increasingly sought advisers who are less apt to push back on his disruptive agenda.

Ideas

All the Times Trump Has Invoked ‘National Security’

The president does so a lot — mostly in regard to immigration and trade.

Business

Trump Wants Chinese Parts Out of American Weapons

The White House will call for targeted investments in domestic manufacturing in an industrial-base report to be unveiled Friday.

Policy

Court OKs Suit Over Foreign Payments to Trump Business

U.S. lawmakers get permission to argue in court that the president is improperly receiving payment from foreign people, organizations, and governments.