Threats
Mattis Confirms Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria, But No Trump Decision to Strike Yet
The National Security Council discussed options with the president for responding to the attack, but the administration was still syncing up with allies Thursday evening.
Threats
The US Military Budget Shows Just How Deep Donald Trump is Getting Into Syria
Despite Trump's distaste for global entanglements, the U.S. is spending more and more in Syria.
Threats
If Trump Won't Lead in Syria, Someone Else Will
Unless the president can articulate and lead a plan, Syria’s future will be determined by Russia, Iran, and Turkey.
Threats
Assad Defies Another American President
The Syrian strongman saw the red line on sarin as a green light to do everything else.
Threats
What Is America Going to Do About Syria Now?
After the latest suspected chemical attack, the United States has four options.
Ideas
Trumpism: Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Stick
'It’s entirely possible that the blowup is just yet to come,' says one observer of the president’s foreign policy.
Threats
Trump's Militarization of the US-Mexico Border Won't Come Cheap
Both presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush tried it. And both times it was deemed an expensive failure.
Threats
Trump Reverses, Says He’ll Keep US Troops in Syria
The president officially walked back last week’s off-the-cuff remark that the U.S. would leave Syria ‘very soon,’ leaving even more questions about the mission.
Threats
Denied Wall Funding, Trump Sends National Guard to Southern Border
Details are still being hashed out, but previous presidents’ decisions to do the same offer clues about what’s to come.
Policy
A Day of Whiplash in the US’s Syria Policy
At simultaneous live events, the president and military leaders offered conflicting views about America’s involvement.
Policy
Could Trump Actually Use Military Funding for His Border Wall?
The president would have to overcome legal and Congressional obstacles to use Department of Defense resources on construction.
Policy
Trump's 'Very Soon' Withdrawal From Syria Is Exactly What Many Troops Feared
What the president said is exactly what some special operations forces worried would happen — under President Hillary Clinton.
Threats
The Shadowy Operative at the Center of the Russia Scandal
Court documents call him Person A, but descriptions match the officer to Russian intelligence and to Paul Manafort and Rick Gates.
Threats
What Does 'Denuclearization' Mean to Kim Jong Un?
A close reading of what the Korean leader reportedly told Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Ideas
The White House Doctor and the Dual-Officeholding Ban
Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson’s appointment reinvigorates the debate over the proper relationship between the military and the government.
Ideas
A Deal with North Korea Won't Happen Without China
How Kim Jong-Un's surprise visit to Beijing underscores China’s influence.
Threats
Trump's 'Good Relationship' With Russia Is Slipping Away
By shuttering a consulate and expelling 60 diplomats in response to the spy poisoning in Britain, he’s taken a remarkably hard line against Putin.
Business
Mattis to Military: You Have Your Money. Spend It Wisely
The defense secretary warns “results and accountability matter in every expenditure.”
Policy
Where’s the New Transgender Troops Ban Headed? Look at the Travel Ban Fight
Like Trump’s effort to bar visitors from several Mideast countries, a long legal battle awaits the newest limits on who can serve in uniform.
Policy