Policy

‘Stunning’ Executive Order Enables Politicized Civil Service

President Trump's new directive allows thousands of federal jobs now filled through competition to be turned into at-will positions.

Threats

Iran Using Voter Data to Spoof Floridians, Warn US Intelligence Leaders

Voting systems remain secure but Russia and Iran have obtained voter data, warn DNI Ratcliffe and FBI Director Wray.

Policy

Milley Speaks Out — and Trump Stays Mum

After a controversial summer, the Joint Chiefs chairman is holding his own with a string of public pronouncements.

Policy

66 Ways to Beat China in AI: Report

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence suggests a CTO for the intelligence community; a White House AI council, like the National Space Council; and more.

Ideas

China or Your Soul? Pompeo’s Thunder Falls Flat on Corporate Ears

Companies keep choosing to serve the Chinese market — and that’s likely not good news for the Pentagon.

Policy

Chief of Naval Operations Outlines Future for Drones, Minicarriers

The fleet may need fewer large aircraft carriers but more ships that can carry aircraft.

Ideas

The 20th Year of the Afghanistan War Should Be America’s Last

U.S. national security interests do not depend on the outcome of the peace talks. It’s time to come home.

Policy

Pentagon Leaders Reject Calls for Militarized Election Season

“We support law enforcement,” Army Secretary McCarthy said Tuesday. ”We don’t police American streets.”

Policy

Feds Have Cut Anti-COVID Workforce By More Than 60%

As cases tick up nationwide, administration officials say they have demobilized feds as missions are completed.

Ideas

Harris and Pence Failed the Global Leadership Question

People vying to become, or stay, vice-president should be ready to explain their vision of America’s role in the world.

Policy

All US Troops In Afghanistan To Withdraw By Christmas, Trump Tweets

The bewildering message came just hours after his national security advisor said the United States would draw down to 2,500 by 2021.

Policy

US Charges ISIS ‘Beatles’ In Virginia Court

Kotey and Elsheikh each face 14 charges, all of which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Policy

Can Dr. Conley — a Military Doctor — Say 'No' to the President?

Yes, but he’s under a lot of pressure that other physicians caring for VIP patients might not be.

Ideas

What Biden Told Me on the Train After Trump’s First UN Speech

In the Biden-Harris vision, my multi-ethnic family is the fulfillment of America’s promise to the world.

Policy

GOP Lawmakers Hammer Trump’s Germany Troop Withdrawals

The top Republican on the Armed Services Committee blamed “a couple of White House staffers” who “hadn’t thought through the consequences.”

Policy

FBI Feeds Intel to DoD for Offensive Cyber Ops, Director Tells Congress

Wray's new cyber strategy, rolled out earlier this month, aims to “impose risk and consequences on cyber adversaries.”