Ideas

The Coming F-35 Fiasco

Now that Qatar is asking for the jet, it’s time to consider an entirely different approach to helping Gulf nations defend themselves.

Ideas

Lebanon Needs More than US Sanctions

Hezbollah must go. Here's how the international community can help develop a democratic and secular system that works for the people. 

Ideas

Stumbling Out of the Middle East is No Better Than Stumbling In

It is tempting for the United States to just throw in the towel, pull troops, and abandon allies. More important is understanding what the U.S. strategy toward the Middle East should be.

Policy

Trump Says He Wanted To Assassinate Syria’s Assad

The revelation further undermines the president’s assertion that he has stood firmly between the Pentagon and war.

Ideas

Selling F-35s to the Middle East was Never Going to be Easy

To do it, and preserve Israel’s advantage, Trump must reinvigorate the consultative arms sales process with Congress.

Ideas

Donald Is No Dove

The president’s criticism of military contractors is belied by his commitment to fattening their pockets.

Exclusive Threats

Exclusive: US Drops Death Penalty for ISIS ‘Beatles’

Atty. Gen. Barr's letter to the UK brings two ISIS fighters accused of beheading American journalists and aid workers closer to a U.S. trial.

Threats

Iran Is Our Top Priority, Says Senior US Commander In Middle East

Shiite military attacks have made it harder to fight ISIS, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said.

Ideas

US Troops Should Withdraw from Syria, Not Protect Oil Companies

Keeping 500 troops in-country to help Delta Crescent Energy drill only hurts America’s national security.

Threats

Top DOD Spox: No Conclusions Yet On Cause Of Beirut Explosion

Trump has claimed without evidence that the explosion might have been an “attack.”

Ideas

We Need a Better China Policy in the Middle East

With allies and direct lines to Beijing, Washington must do more to keep China’s presence in the region from becoming a threat.

Ideas

How a Tiny Indian Ocean Island Could Force a US-UK Rift

Will the U.S. choose its closest ally over the international rule of law?

Ideas

Ending Accompanied Tours to the Gulf Is a Message Delivered at a Cost

The Pentagon wants Iran — and U.S. allies — to pay close attention to its decision to keep troops' families out of the region.

Threats

Top US General in Mideast: ‘I Do Worry About China Quite a Bit’

Beijing is trying “to establish a beachhead,” says U.S. Central Command’s Gen. Kenneth McKenzie. “I think this is a significant factor we need to confront.”