Policy

The Politics of Hating (And Loving) France

From freedom fries to fast friends, after the Macron visit will Republicans who choose to stand with Trump continue to stand with France? The war on terrorism may depend on it.

Ideas

A Trump Doctrine for the Middle East

The region has now been Trump-branded as “a troubled place”—and one America is not particularly interested in helping.

Threats

What Is America Going to Do About Syria Now?

After the latest suspected chemical attack, the United States has four options.

Ideas

Time to Get Out of Syria

The national security 'blob' who warn departure would be a disaster are wrong.

Threats

Trump Reverses, Says He’ll Keep US Troops in Syria

The president officially walked back last week’s off-the-cuff remark that the U.S. would leave Syria ‘very soon,’ leaving even more questions about the mission.

Business

US Defense Firms Eye Expansion Into Saudi Arabia

As the arms deals roll in, companies are pitching joint ventures to the visiting crown prince.

Policy

A Day of Whiplash in the US’s Syria Policy

At simultaneous live events, the president and military leaders offered conflicting views about America’s involvement.

Ideas

Saudi Crown Prince: Iran's Supreme Leader 'Makes Hitler Look Good'

In a wide-ranging conversation, Prince Mohammed bin Salman also recognized the Jewish people’s right to “their own land.”

Threats

The War in Iraq Isn’t Done. Commanders Explain Why and What's Next

Senior US and Iraq officers say the 15-year fight isn’t quite finished and they need to ensure that another ISIS can’t rise.

Ideas

Yemen Shows Why US Needs to Change Its Arms Sales Policy


A Senate resolution to reduce U.S. participation in Yemen's war failed, but policymakers seeking to reduce complicity in the humanitarian crisis have another option.

Threats

Russia ‘Incredibly Destabilizing’ as Syrian Conflict Threatens Region, Top US General Warns

Weeks after Tillerson said the U.S. and Russia share a postwar vision, Votel says Moscow is playing both “arsonist and firefighter.”

Policy

It Could Get Harder to Track US War Spending

The administration plans to push “enduring” costs from the Overseas Contingency Operations war fund back into the base budget in future years.

Threats

Syria’s War Is Fueling Three More Conflicts

As ISIS evaporates, the buffer zones between armed combatants of several opposing groups and nations have disappeared.

Ideas

The US Is Drifting Toward War With a NATO Ally

It's not too late to stem Turkey's turn toward Russia — and defuse a World War I-style conflict.

Ideas

The US Must Stop Turkey Now

Americans are wrong to placate Erdogan and permit his attacks on northern Syria. Here's how Washington can get it right.

Ideas

Inside The World's Most Radical Experiment in Women’s Rights

The women’s movement in northern Syria is more like a women’s earthquake, in politics, governance, and the region's security.

Ideas

Stop Turkey's Bombardment Of Our People

What is happening now in Afrin is in clear defiance of all international laws, norms, and values. We will fight. But we shouldn’t have to.

Policy

Qatar Wants to Host US Ships, Expand Air Base For American Families

Amid the Saudi-led blockade, the Qatari defense minister came to Washington seeking deeper ties with U.S.

Threats

US General to Turkey: We’re Not Pulling Back

Gen. Votel said the U.S. recognizes its NATO ally's concerns but won't abandon the coalition of Syrian Democratic Forces fighting ISIS on the world's behalf.

Ideas

How the Saudis Drag the US into Perpetual War in the Mideast

With ISIS essentially gone from Syria, it's time to bug out, no matter what the Kingdom thinks.