Author Archive

Molly O'Toole

Molly O'Toole
Molly O'Toole is the politics reporter for Defense One. O'Toole previously worked as a news editor at The Huffington Post. She has covered national and international politics for Reuters, The Nation, the Associated Press and Newsweek International, among others, from Washington, New York, Mexico City, and London. She received her dual-masters degree in journalism and international relations from New York University and her bachelor's from Cornell University.
Policy

The Obama Doctrine Has No Heir in Hillary Clinton

As Clinton puts more distance between her foreign policy and President Obama’s, his national security legacy may prove short-lived.

Policy

Pentagon Sends Obama Plan to Close Guantanamo, Move Detainees to US

Hours after 10 percent of the remaining detainees leave Cuba, the defense secretary said he’s handed the president a plan for “Gitmo North.”

Policy

In Final State of the Union, Obama Fights the Fear that Threatens His Legacy

'I know this is a dangerous time. But that’s not because of diminished American strength or some looming superpower,' the president assured the nation Tuesday.

Business

Here’s What America’s Longest-Serving General Most Fears

Gen. John Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, goes “over the side for the last time” with 45 years of perspective on U.S. war-fighting and its future.

Policy

Pentagon Transfers Two Guantanamo Detainees to Ghana

The move, the first of 17 in coming days, shrinks the total population to 105.

Threats

Saudi Arabia-Iran Break Threatens Syrian Peace Process

Mere weeks after the two countries backed a unanimous U.N. Security Council resolution, their sectarian-fueled escalation has likely sunk fragile hopes for Syria.

Ideas

What to Watch in 2016

Keep an eye on these nine story lines in warfighting, industry, politics, and technology.

Policy

US Syria Policy Shifts From ‘Assad Must Go’ to ‘Not Right Now’

The UN Security Council backs a blueprint for Syrian peace talks — and papers over powderkeg tensions between the U.S. and Russia.

Business

Guantanamo Set to Transfer 17 Prisoners, A Milestone in Several Ways

President Obama isn’t letting a legislative freeze stop him from whittling the detainee population to meet a long-held goal.

Policy

Clinton Pledges ‘360-Degree’ Homeland Security Strategy, But Can She Turn Around Voters’ Doubts?

After San Bernardino and ahead of the holidays, the former secretary of state says the U.S. can protect both itself and its values.

Policy

When National Security and Nativism Collide

Three months ago, a photo of a drowned Syrian refugee toddler sobered the world. Now even Donald Trump’s Muslims ban hardly shocks it. How did we get here?

Policy

Three Minutes With Ted Cruz on National Security

The Texas senator calls for “carpet bombing ISIS” in Iraq and Syria and “whatever is necessary” to defeat the Islamic State.

Threats

Russian Strikes Killed Syrian Soldiers, Pentagon Says

Accused of airstrikes on government forces, U.S. officials point the finger at Moscow.

Business

Carter: US Military May Start Handing Captured ISIS Over to Law Enforcement

U.S. eyeing 'full range' of options, including transfers to international authorities.

Threats

Obama Doesn't Know What He'll Do When US Troops Capture an ISIS Leader

The president is now sending special operators on ISIS capture missions. He has less than 90 days to tell Congress what he plans to do with them.

Policy

Obama Quietly Signs Guantanamo Freeze Into Law — But Hints at Executive Action

The president gave the defense authorization bill his signature, but rejected what he called unconstitutional restrictions on his push to close the U.S. military prison in Cuba.

Policy

On the Campaign Trail in New Hampshire with ‘Two Amigos’ Lindsey Graham and John McCain

The longtime national security leaders and besties talk ISIS, the GOP presidential field, and the first time they met with Defense One.

Policy

‘After Paris,’ Graham and McCain See a Whole New 2016 Race

Lindsey Graham, stumping with his friend John McCain, believes recent attacks will boost his quixotic quest for the White House.

Policy

What Vietnamese Refugees in New Hampshire Think of the Syrian Backlash

As 2016 hopefuls arrive with pledges to block refugees from Syria, Vietnamese-American voters here respond with a conflicted mix of caution and compassion.