Threats
US Blames Tanker Attacks On Iran; CENTCOM Releases Surveillance Video
Military officials say imagery shows Iranians in boats at the tankers, handling a mine and trying to capture crew members.
Threats
EXCLUSIVE: US Intelligence Officials and Satellite Photos Detail Russian Military Buildup on Crimea
Five S-400 anti-aircraft missile batteries, plus additional troops and fighters, let Moscow better defend the Black Sea and threaten Europe and the Middle East.
Threats
How to Navigate the Fog of War on Iran
The question of how to read U.S. intelligence on Iranian threats—and how to respond to them—is at the center of a debate over military escalation.
Ideas
The Eastern Mediterranean Needs More US Warships
Regional tensions and distracted allies underscore the need for more naval presence.
Ideas
A Middle East Peace Plan Built on Un-American Principles
Jared Kushner wants to use prosperity as a shiny object to distract Palestinians while their political aspirations are swept away.
Policy
US To Send 900 Troops To Middle East To Counter Iran
The Trump administration insists that the deployment is purely defensive.
Ideas
How Is Iran Worse Than Saudi Arabia?
A rational foreign policy would view Tehran as a normal regional power jockeying with equally sharp-elbowed foes. 2020 Democrats can lead the way.
Ideas
Trump’s Counter-Iran Moves Are Provocative, But They’re Not War
Truly bad messaging is undermining trust among allies and the American public — and increasing the chance of accidental escalation.
Threats
The Flash Point Between America and Iran Could Be Iraq's Militias
U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters had an alliance of sorts in the anti-ISIS campaign. With Washington and Tehran at odds, could they turn on each other?
Ideas
How Not to Announce a Ship Deployment
A simple press conference could have avoided 36 hours of confusion and fears of war with Iran.
Ideas
In the Global Power Era, Remember the Bin Laden Raid
The Defense Department must make choices, but we cannot become complacent about the fight against terrorism.
Ideas
China’s Risky Middle East Bet
Beijing believes it can focus on economic development and avoid any role in political affairs—but that assumption will likely prove naive.
Ideas
A Warlord Rises in Libya, and Trump Is Praising Him
It's Khalifa Haftar, the Libyan general who is leading his forces against the government the U.S. still officially backs.
Ideas
Protesters in Sudan and Algeria Have Learned From the Arab Spring
The demonstrations have their own local characteristics, but there are several parallels.
Business
Pentagon’s Focus On China and Russia Expected to Alter US Arms Sales
A new report shows a decline in Middle Eastern nations’ share of overall exports.
Policy
The ‘Day After’ In Syria Finally Came. But What Comes Next?
If U.S. military commanders were unsure of their mission four years ago, it’s even muddier today.
Threats
ISIS Is ‘Waiting for the Right Time to Resurge’: CENTCOM Commander
Gen. Joseph Votel offered lawmakers warnings on Syria — and an upbeat message on Afghanistan.
Ideas
I Ran the Air War Over Gaddafi. Here's Why The US Should Stop Backing the Yemen War
One hopes Jared Kushner said it in Saudi Arabia, but Congress should curtail the Pentagon’s participation in this war.
Threats
Pentagon Wins a Reprieve with Trump Approval of ‘Residual’ Forces in Syria
General Dunford is “confident” U.S. allies will now agree to stay, but for how long remains undetermined.
Ideas