Policy
The 9/11 Commission Said National Security Vacancies Were A Problem. Biden’s Pentagon Is ‘Far Worse’
The Senate is “falling far behind” as Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees consider 14 nominees this week.
Policy
The Forever War is Over. Its 2001 Authorization Lives On.
Pentagon says “over the horizon” strikes in Afghanistan will be conducted under the AUMF passed two decades ago.
Policy
One Senator’s Plan to Cut Through the Politics and Get Answers on Afghanistan
Sen. Tammy Duckworth says a nonpartisan commission could compile lessons without the “political theater.”
Policy
Austin, Milley Say White House Was Advised to Keep US Troops in Afghanistan
The Afghanistan evacuation that resulted was “a logistical success but a strategic failure,” Milley said.
Policy
US Navy’s Latest Plan for Its Future May Not Come Until 2023, Says Top Admiral
It’s the fourth attempt in four years to define the future of the Navy.
Policy
A Rahm Emanuel is Exactly What Japan Wants, Asia Scholars Say
What matters in American politics is not what matters to Tokyo.
Threats
Milley’s China Calls During Trump Defeat Were ‘Lawful,’ Conveyed Reassurance, Pentagon Says
Some Republicans are seeking his ouster, but the Joint Chiefs chairman is the first to serve a guaranteed four years.
Policy
Congress’ Afghanistan Oversight Marred By Politics
Lawmakers overwhelmingly postured instead of asking America’s top diplomat real questions.
Policy
Will Congress Ever Repeal Its Post-9/11 War Authorizations?
The passage of two decades since the Sept. 11 terror attacks might be a “wake-up call” for lawmakers.
Ideas
Boost Defense Spending? Congress Owes Us a Better Explanation
The proposed 2022 budget plus-ups add to a long history of hiding flimsy arguments behind dramatic rhetoric.
Ideas
The Defense Budget Process Is Broken
What the U.S. needs isn’t more money for the Pentagon, but an honest and tough debate about strategy.
Policy
China Hawks Try for Beijing Olympics Boycotts on Defense Bill
Democrats rejected proposals that could affect military bases, but unlikely allies appear to be forming.
Ideas
Calculating the Costs of the Afghanistan War
The war in Afghanistan, like many other wars before it, began with optimistic assessments of a quick victory and the promise to rebuild at war’s end.
Policy
Lawmakers Load Defense Bill With Measures Demanding Answers for Afghanistan's Fall—and Its Future
Armed Services Committee members passed several bipartisan Afghanistan-related amendments amid partisan jabs at Biden.
Policy
The Future of U.S.-Taliban Relations
Blinken says cooperation is possible, but only if Taliban acts appropriately.
Science & Tech
House Bill Aims to Bridge Acquisition ‘Valley of Death’ In Race to Counter China
A draft of the House NDAA markup outlines two provisions to fix the gap between research and acquisition.
Policy
Air Force’s Kendall Creates Space Acquisition Office, Accelerates Absorption of Space Development Agency
And the new service secretary is asking Congress to allow him to move faster yet.
Threats
Taliban Take Presidential Palace as Kabul Falls With Americans, Afghans Still Trapped
U.S. races yet another 1,000 troops to Kabul. Total force on ground to jump to 6,000 within days.
Policy
Some Veterans Say Republicans are Blocking Their Ability to Vote
Democrats and veterans groups say the bill would expand access to early and mail-in voting, which can make voting easier for disabled veterans
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