Author Archive
Stephanie Gaskell
Managing Editor
Stephanie Gaskell was managing editor of Defense One. She previously covered the Pentagon for Politico. Gaskell has covered war, politics and breaking news for nearly 20 years, including at the Associated Press, the New York Post and the New York Daily News. She has reported from Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo and the World Trade Center site after 9/11. She has also launched and edited two blogs, War Zone and The War Report.
Ideas
Is Obama’s ‘Iraq First’ Strategy Working Against ISIS?
The Obama administration believes it can tackle problems in Iraq first, then Syria, but will that make things better or worse down the road? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Stephanie Gaskell
- Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Stephanie Gaskell
Business
CIA Director Brennan Tries To Put Torture In the Past
In a rare news conference, CIA Director John Brennan reacts to the release of the Senate’s report on torture. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Obama Brings Ash Carter Back To Lead the Pentagon
The former Pentagon No. 2 vows to give President Obama his ‘most candid military advice.’ By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Is Resigning
The defense secretary is leaving the top post at the Pentagon after less than two years in office. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Obama Doubles Number of Troops for Iraq Mission to 3,000
The Obama administration is reevaluating the operation against ISIL in Iraq, where months of air strikes there and in neighboring Syria have seen little effect. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Will Afghanistan Become the ‘Forgotten War’ Again?
As the U.S. military draws down in Afghanistan after 13 years of war, history shows it can’t take anything for granted. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Report: Mortars Land in Baghdad’s Green Zone
Islamic State fighters are closing in on the Iraqi capital. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Congress Backs Strikes in Syria, But Emphasizes Allied Support
Congress members largely support air strikes in Syria, but urge President Obama to keep his allies in the fight. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Air Strikes in Syria Are ‘Only the Beginning’
President Obama says he’s willing to do what it takes to destroy Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria, drawing the U.S. back into war in the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
US Begins Air Strikes in Syria
A year after President Obama drew a red line over the use of chemical weapons, the U.S. military conducts air strikes in Syria. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
With a New Afghan Leader in Place, Is a US Troop Deal Next?
There’s a new president in Afghanistan. Now U.S. military leaders need his signature on a deal to allow U.S. troops to stay. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Gen. Allen To Manage Obama's Strategy Against the Islamic State
Retired Marine Corps Gen. John Allen is President Obama’s point man on the mission to destroy the Islamic State. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Pentagon Confirms US Air Strike Killed Al-Shabab Leader
Monday’s U.S. air strike in Somalia killed the co-founder of the terrorist organization al-Shabab. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
US Strike Against Al-Shabab Leader Reflects Obama’s Counterterrorism Strategy
A targeted U.S. air strike against al-Shabab’s leader in Somalia is exactly how the Pentagon wants it to work in Africa and the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki Agrees To Step Down
The writing was on the wall and embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki knew it. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
U.S. Air Strikes Continue in Iraq
President Obama says the crisis in Iraq will ‘take some time’ to solve, as the military conducts nearly a dozen targeted military strikes against ISIL. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Pentagon Says More Strikes Are Possible in Iraq
The Pentagon is prepared for more strikes against ISIL, possibly in Baghdad where the U.S. has many assets. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
U.S. Bombs Islamic Fighters in Northern Iraq
President Obama ordered the U.S. military to carry out targeted airstrikes against Islamic extremists who are rapidly advancing in the Kurdish capital of Irbil. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
U.S. General Killed in Brazen Insider Attack in Afghanistan
A U.S. Army major general killed by an Afghan soldier is the highest-ranking American casualty in the war in Afghanistan. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
U.S. Evacuates Embassy in Libya
Ongoing violence between Libyan militias forced the State Department to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli on Saturday. By Stephanie Gaskell
- Stephanie Gaskell