Ideas

The War in Afghanistan is Bad Politics and Bad Foreign Policy

President Trump should keep his campaign promise to bring American forces home.

Ideas

Ep. 22: China in the US; Iran in Syria; Ukraine's navy + Q&A w/ Brig. Gen. Jackson in Afghanistan

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Threats

How Jalaluddin Haqqani Went From US Ally to Foe

Influential for decades, the Haqqani network has lately been melding with the Taliban.

Ideas

Ep. 18: Gayle Lemmon on Syria, Afghanistan's future; All about US Army Futures Command and more.

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Policy

Downplaying Ghazni, Mattis Defends Trump’s Afghanistan Strategy

The Taliban’s apparent willingness to negotiate is the more important signal of progress in America’s longest war, the defense secretary said Tuesday.

Ideas

Ep. 17: Why the Afghan war has lasted so long; Rethinking 'militarized policing' and more.

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Threats

Trump’s Afghanistan War Plan Is Working Despite Recent Attacks, Outgoing Commander Says

Facing renewed criticism, Gen. John Nicholson said the president’s year-old South Asia strategy was bringing Afghanistan closer to peace.

Threats

Talking to the Taliban While Still Fighting the Taliban

Nearly a year since the Trump administration rolled out its South Asia strategy, carnage in Afghanistan continues even as negotiations for peace inch ahead.

Ideas

Ep.13: Afghan Ambassador to the US; Washington Post's Josh Rogin and Bloomberg's Eli Lake.

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Ideas

'A Sudden Burst of Movement’ on the Afghan Peace Process

The reported U.S. offer of direct talks with the Taliban is adding to rare optimism in Afghanistan.

Threats

Trump Won’t Pull US Troops From Afghanistan, Says Afghan President

At NATO Summit, President Ashraf Ghani said Trump gave his full support to coalition leaders and believes he convinced the U.S. president to stay.

Ideas

Ep. 11: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani; Former FBI Agent Clint Watts on Russian disinformation, fake news and more.

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Ideas

In Afghanistan, Ceasefires Could Pave a Path to Peace

The overlapping, temporary ceasefires announced by the Afghan government, U.S.-led NATO forces, and the Taliban show there is still hope for a political end to the conflict.

Threats

With Ceasefire, Afghan President Offers ‘An Opportunity for the Taliban’

Ashraf Ghani has ordered his forces to stand down for a week, but are the insurgents interested?

Threats

What the Long, Corruption-Enabling, Mostly Failed Afghanistan-Stabilization Effort Tells Us

It’s about managing expectations: ours about the timeline, the foreign population’s about governance.

Ideas

Seize This Moment for Afghan Peace Talks

In spite of recent attacks, the Taliban has signaled willingness to bend from its hardline past. The Trump administration should take advantage of the opportunity

Threats

Is Peace on the Horizon for Afghanistan?

An offer of talks by the Ghani government was met with silence from the Taliban. That, in itself, could be a good sign.

Ideas

Trump's Aimless War in Afghanistan Expands, Again

Why is the U.S. bombing Chinese separatists, and what does it say about the flailing war effort in Afghanistan?

Threats

Peace Through Bombings: The US Strategy in Afghanistan

The goal of negotiating with the Taliban is at odds with President Trump’s statements.

Ideas

An Advise-and-Assist Commander Has Advice for the US Army's New Partner-Trainers

Security Force Assistance Brigades, or SFABs, are a great concept, but even the best ideas have limitations and room for improvement.