Policy
Mattis Resigns Over Disagreements with Trump
In two-page resignation letter, defense secretary cites need to treat allies with respect, potential adversaries with resolve.
Ideas
It Was Time to Leave Syria Anyway
If the gains won by Kurdish and Arab sacrifice completely depend on our continued military presence, then they were illusory to begin with.
Policy
Trump’s Abrupt Syria Reversal Confounds His Own Administration, GOP Allies
Hours later, White House officials had more questions than answers about the withdrawal.
Ideas
Don’t Be Surprised the Next Time Trump Ends a US Mission
No one knows why the president pulled the plug on Syria now, but NATO and South Korea should be worried.
Ideas
Trump Just Screwed Up the One Thing He Did Better Than Obama
His capricious decision to withdraw troops from Syria will create havoc.
Policy
Trump’s Space Force Request Is Coming — But Final Form Remains Hazy
Will his proposed space organization more resemble the Air Force or the Marines? Pence didn’t say.
Ideas
Want NATO Allies to Boost Defense Spending? Don’t Build Fort Trump
Basing an American division in Poland will reduce allies’ incentive to build up their own forces.
Policy
From Small Wars to Great Power, Trump’s Africa Reset Could Change US Military’s Role
The U.S. is cutting 10 percent of its counterterrorism troops in Africa. Will China and Russia fill the gap?
Ideas
'I Am Proud to Shut Down the Government,' Trump Says During Fight with Democrats
The president made his position clear, saying he will “take the blame” if some federal agencies close.
Threats
What Trump Could Do If He Declares a State of Emergency
A president’s emergency powers are extensive, and largely unchecked.
Policy
Nikki Haley Touts Values-Based Foreign Policy, Showing Daylight with Trump
In an interview with The Atlantic, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to the UN made the case for a values-driven foreign policy, and acknowledged daylight between her and the president.
Policy
The Senate is Poised to Pass the Yemen Resolution. Now What?
The House is almost certain not to take up the measure while Republicans are still in control. But what about next year?
Policy
The CIA Presented a ‘Smoking Gun’ on Khashoggi. What’s the Senate Going to Do About it?
Lindsey Graham and others emerged from a CIA briefing convinced that Trump and SecDef Mattis are wrong about the murder.
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