Policy
Can Pat Shanahan Serve as ‘Acting’ Defense Secretary Forever?
The law is unclear, and the situation all but unprecedented.
Policy
Trump Kicks Mattis Out Early, Names Shanahan Acting Defense Secretary
The abrupt decision comes amid a growing crescendo of criticism of the president’s snap decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.
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.
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.
Policy
The Biggest Difference Between Inhofe and Smith? How Much Danger They Think the US Faces
The incoming SASC chair says “we live in the most dangerous world of my lifetime.” His HASC counterpart calls that “simple paranoia.”
Policy
New Armed Services Chair Says He Will Fund Military, Not Drive Foreign Policy ‘Like McCain Did’
'My job is to make sure we have the resources...I try not to get into debates,’ Inhofe says in an exclusive interview.
Policy
Senate Votes to Curtail Yemen Involvement in Rebuke of Trump
The 56-41 vote is largely symbolic — for now — but it shows that congressional outrage with Riyadh is unlikely to cool.
Policy
Trump’s New Africa Plan: Fewer US Troops and Aid, More Investment and Deals
To compete with China in Africa, the White House aims to encourage U.S. investment but will continue a troop drawdown and plans a harsh re-evaluation of foreign assistance.
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?
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
Lawmakers Probe Role of Special Operations in Great Power Competition
The two four-stars up to lead CENTCOM and SOCOM faced questions about how their commands will change under the National Defense Strategy.
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.
Policy
White House Expands Border Troops’ Authorities, Raising Questions
The defense secretary insisted on Wednesday that he will not be arming troops with guns, or detaining migrants long-term.
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
What the Midterms Mean for National Security
House Democrats are poised to boost oversight of the Pentagon — and its commander-in-chief.
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.
Policy
The US Military Held an American as an Enemy Combatant for Over a Year. Here’s What That Means.
The case could have upended the entire war on ISIS. Instead, it’s changing how we treat some detainees.
Threats
Mattis Sets 30-Day Deadline for Yemen Ceasefire
“We’ve admired this problem for long enough down there,” the defense secretary said.
Policy