Ideas
Don't Trust the Taliban With Afghanistan’s Cultural Preservation
The group continues to attack sites and antiquities. Here are five ways peace negotiators can ensure that Afghanistan’s past will contribute to its future.
Ideas
Trump Says US Troops Shouldn’t Be ‘Policemen’ in Afghanistan. So Why Are They There?
In a puzzling Oval Office press conference, the commander-in-chief throws his purported strategy into doubt.
Threats
It’s Getting Harder to Track US Progress in Afghanistan
Almost every metric “is now classified or nonexistent,” says the special inspector general for Afghan reconstruction.
Policy
In Win for Bolton, International Criminal Court Will Not Prosecute US Troops
“Today’s my second-happiest day,” he said.
Policy
The ‘Day After’ In Syria Finally Came. But What Comes Next?
If U.S. military commanders were unsure of their mission four years ago, it’s even muddier today.
Ideas
Escalating the US Air War in Afghanistan Isn’t Working
The dramatic increase in U.S. airstrikes that began last year has brought the country no closer to peace. In fact, Afghan soldiers, police, and civilians are dying at record rates.
Ideas
Who Are the Private Contractors Fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan?
An inside look at this invisible military force.
Threats
ISIS Is ‘Waiting for the Right Time to Resurge’: CENTCOM Commander
Gen. Joseph Votel offered lawmakers warnings on Syria — and an upbeat message on Afghanistan.
Ideas
Why Withdrawing from Syria and Afghanistan Won’t Save Much Money
The president’s desired troop drawdowns aren’t even penny-wise, and they’re probably pound-foolish.
Ideas
Bring a Measure of Justice to the End of the Afghanistan War
An Iraq War veteran reminds us of the debt owed to Afghans who helped American troops.
Policy
The Afghan Government Is Missing From Afghanistan's Peace Process
Two sets of negotiations with the Taliban are under way in Afghanistan. Neither includes the country’s democratically elected, internationally recognized administration.
Ideas
How a Forever War Ends
Trump might well wrap up the war in Afghanistan, but only by giving up on America’s original goals.
Policy
Acting SecDef: I Haven’t Told the Pentagon to Prep for Afghanistan Withdrawal
In his first remarks to media as defense chief, Pat Shanahan says U.S. leaders are keeping their eyes on peace talks.
Ideas
The US Isn’t Really Leaving Syria and Afghanistan
Even if American troops come home in a timely fashion, they will likely return before long.
Ideas
The Truth About the Soviet War in Afghanistan
Trump mischaracterized it in an attempt to justify his own disastrous policy in the region.
Policy
Trump Just Killed His Own Defense Strategy
The commander in chief has torn up 17 years of counterterrorism plans, offering instead his strange mix of talking points and lies.
Ideas
Ep. 31: The true origins of ISIS and the future of counterterrorism with Hassan Hassan
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
Ep. 28: What if America pulls out of Afghanistan? with Seth Jones, Bill Roggio and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Policy
US: Afghan Security Strategy Is ‘Working,’ Despite Insider Attacks
A Pentagon spokesman cites a two-thirds decrease in attacks since the war’s peak eight years ago.
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