Policy

Khashoggi Report Blames MBS; Biden Skips Sanctions For Crown Prince

Punishing MBS would put the United States in a “hostile” position with Riyadh, an administration official told reporters.

Threats

Troops Describe Night of Fire From Shadowy Iraqi Militants

After the first rocket struck the Erbil base on Monday, “everything happened pretty quickly.” But U.S. officials still aren't sure who's responsible.

Threats

Photos Reveal Damage from Deadly Rocket Attack at US Base in Iraq

Monday night's attack caught U.S. personnel in their bunks and destroyed contractor living facilities.

Breaking News Threats

Rocket Attack Hits US Base in Iraqi Kurdistan; Casualties Reported

Five Americans wounded, including one US troop, and one non-U.S. civilian killed in attack claimed by an Iran-linked militia group, as indirect fire hits airport compound and other sites in Erbil.

Ideas

How to Cut the US Presence in the Middle East

Asking the military to pursue the same goals with fewer resources will not work.

Threats

US Flies B-52 Bomber To Gulf In Show of Force Against Iran

“We were also thinking…'Would they try to test the U.S. military in the early days of the new administration?'”

Breaking News Threats

Saudis Expanding US Military Access to Airfields, Port, to Counter Iran

The year-old initiative is intended to give CENTCOM “more options” in a fight, general reveals.

Threats

War Avoided, Biden Transition Brings ‘Opportunity’ for New Iran Relations, Top General Says

‘Our goal was to deter a war,’ said CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie of the past few months, en route to the region for his first visit under the new administration.

Threats

Milley Meets With Taliban In Fragile Peace Negotiations

The Joint Chiefs chairman's meeting comes at a profound moment of uncertainty for the U.S.-brokered talks on Afghanistan.

Ideas

Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake

A proposed White House move would hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.

Threats

Outgoing Syria Envoy Admits Hiding US Troop Numbers; Praises Trump’s Mideast Record

‘We were always playing shell games,’ says Amb. Jim Jeffrey, who also gives advice to President-elect Biden.

Business

The Clock is Ticking On F-35, Drone Sale to UAE

Lame-duck approval of sale could allow UAE to sign contract for weapons before Biden takes office.

Policy

Is Iraq’s Military Good Enough for US Troops to Leave?

After 17 years of fighting Saddam, AQ, and ISIS, officials say support for Baghdad and its security forces remains key to fending off Iran.

Ideas

Washington Should Avoid a Self-Inflicted Wound in the Sinai

Withdrawing from the Multinational Force and Observers might be penny-wise, but would certainly be pound-foolish.