Ideas

In Afghanistan, Ceasefires Could Pave a Path to Peace

The overlapping, temporary ceasefires announced by the Afghan government, U.S.-led NATO forces, and the Taliban show there is still hope for a political end to the conflict.

Ideas

Can Global Agreements Survive Without the US? Climate Change Offers A Test Case

American withdrawal from the Paris agreement is a test for the future of the globe, but also for the international order.

Policy

Army Corps of Engineers May Lose Its Domestic Missions

The White House's sweeping reorganization proposal would move the Corps' navigation functions to the Transportation Department, and other civil works missions to Interior.

Ideas

The US Is Letting Sudan Off the Hook

Lifting sanctions allows the regime to continue to sow discord in a region that the U.S. and allies are spending billions to stabilize.

Ideas

Here’s What Trump Actually Achieved With North Korea

It wasn’t what he said. But it was much more than nothing.

Threats

Swell of Protest as Administration Shifts Story on Family Separations

The Homeland Security secretary has offered three different takes on the policy of separating families detained for crossing America's southern border.

Policy

What Trump’s Space Force Announcement Means

New plan would create sixth service branch, and annoy the Air Force.

Policy

Has Trump Irreversibly Altered the GOP's Foreign Policy?

He’s reprising a struggle within the party that was fought in the 1950s—with long-term results.

Ideas

US Agencies Chip Away at Science and Climate Change Spending

A progressive group analyzes Trump team efforts to downplay data and research.

Ideas

The US Must Tell Bahrain’s Rulers: It's Time to Reform

The crackdown by Sunni rulers on the Shi’ite majority is opening doors for Tehran.

Ideas

Concession...or Common Sense? Trading Drills for Dialogue

Except for taking Seoul by surprise, Trump’s decision to halt US-ROK exercises has plenty of precedent.

Ideas

Congress May Declare the Forever War

A proposed law with bipartisan support would dramatically weaken the ability of legislators to extricate the United States from perpetual armed conflict.

Policy

Donald Trump Actually Seems to Believe He Denuclearized North Korea

The president claims the nuclear threat is gone, but that's not what he achieved in Singapore.

Ideas

A Summit Short on Details, Yet Better Than War

The good news is that the Trump administration already has plans to continue the talks.

Ideas

Trump Got Nearly Nothing From Kim Jong Un

Maybe this is the beginning of something big. But it started off small.

Ideas

The State Department's New Cyber Reports Miss the Point Entirely

Amid a crisis in U.S. cyber policy, a pair of reports on deterrence and international engagement offer recycled ideas.

Threats

Blindsiding Pentagon & Allies, Trump Says US Will End Military Drills with S. Korea

Analysts noted that Trump received nothing but vague statements in return for the concession.

Ideas

This Is Bigger Than a Meeting With Kim Jong Un

Donald Trump is navigating a new nuclear era—and fashioning a new approach.

Ideas

A Senior White House Official Defines the Trump Doctrine: ‘We’re America, Bitch’

The president believes that the United States owes nothing to anyone—especially its allies.

Policy

America Alone?

A bitter end to the G7 summit could have consequences for America’s alliances.