Threats
Here’s What DOD’s International Security Nominee Learned from Russia’s 2014 Seizure of Crimea
Send weapons faster, and prepare to boost U.S. forces in the region, Celeste Wallander told lawmakers.
Threats
Russia Neither Accepts Nor Rejects NATO’s Offer To Restart Talks
Representatives from Moscow and NATO members will talk with their respective governments about whether to continue discussions, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said.
Threats
‘There Will Be No Withdrawal’: Syrian Allies Say US Has Promised to Keep Some Troops There
But for how long? The Kurds say uncertainty is emboldening Turkey, Russian-backed militias, and the Assad regime.
Ideas
Biden Just Gave France Something More Valuable than a Submarine Contract
The White House endorsement of European defense apart from NATO is worth more than a $66 billion deal with Australia.
Threats
‘There Is No Afghan Government’: NATO Stops Aid To Afghanistan As Taliban Take Over
Stoltenberg says aid could resume to an “inclusive government." And at the White House: “We will have to take a hard look at how we proceed on any basis at all.”
Ideas
We Never Did What Was Necessary in Afghanistan
We lost. It’s painful and infuriating, but a few more troops and a little more time would change nothing.
Policy
‘We Will Not Flinch’: Austin Promises US Will Continue to Bolster Taiwan’s Self-Defense
In Singapore, defense secretary chides Beijing for “aggression...coercion...genocide” but says he wants a “constructive, stable relationship with China.”
Threats
French, U.S. Special Forces Agree to Beef Up Partnership in Africa
The new agreement shows that counterterrorism will still be a top focus for the Pentagon.
Ideas
A Better Way to Measure Returns on U.S. Security Cooperation Investments
Though return-on-investment analysis seems like the obvious approach, it simply does not work for measuring security cooperation activities.
Threats
Pentagon Studying How Counterterrorism Fits Into Great Power Competition
The Pentagon has not previously discussed how to use counterterrorism capabilities for great power competition. Now that’s changing.
Policy
Biden, Moon Seek Return to Normal After Four Years of ‘Chaotic’ Trump
But the U.S. and South Korean leaders remain far apart on topics from North Korea to human rights.
Ideas
Détente with Iran Could Unlock a Foreign Policy Gold Mine
Bringing Tehran back into the diplomatic fold would foster other progress.
Business
Tie US Arms Exports to Values, Pentagon Policy Chief Nominee Says
Colin Kahl says sales to Saudi Arabia may change under Biden administration.
Ideas
Boycott the Olympics? Cancel the Saudis? How Woke Can Biden Really Get?
Classic international relations realism and wokeness are two different things.
Policy
US Unprepared for AI Competition with China, Commission Finds
Retaining the current dwindling edge will take White House leadership and a substantial investment, according to the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
Ideas
Biden’s First Move on Nuclear Weapons
When Putin calls to congratulate the new U.S. president, Biden should seize the opportunity.
Ideas
Cutting US Defense Attachés from Embassies Abroad is a Bad Idea
Without them on the ground, or without the right rank, commanders and policymakers are mostly blind, deaf, and mute.
Ideas
Give Us That Democracy Summit, President Biden
A long time ago, before the pandemic, he promised to convene free-world leaders. It’s still a good idea.
Business
Will COVID-Stressed Countries Slow Their Arms Buys?
State Department’s political-military leader sees mixed signals from abroad.
Ideas