Ideas

Who Is ISIS-K?

Two terrorism experts on the group behind the deadly Kabul airport attack and its rivalry with the Taliban.

Threats

Not For the First Time, COVID Takes Back Seat to a More Pressing Crisis

The evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan depends on cramming people into closed spaces—during a global pandemic.

Exclusive Threats

Kabul Evacuee With Potential ISIS Ties Detained at Qatar Base

Up to 100 evacuees have been flagged for further scrutiny during the more comprehensive screening they received at their first stop after Afghanistan.

Exclusive Policy

Trump’s Pledge to Exit Afghanistan Was a Ruse, His Final SecDef Says

Chris Miller now says talk of a full withdrawal was a “play” to convince a Taliban-led government to keep U.S. counterterrorism forces.

Policy

‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says

For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.

Policy

Biden: ‘I Stand Squarely Behind My Decision’ on Afghanistan

The president acknowledged that Kabul fell to Taliban control faster than he expected.

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

US Will End Combat Mission In Iraq, Biden Says

US needs to 'divert more of our body on threats in China and Russia,' says Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Hyten

Policy

Transfers Alone Won’t Close Guantanamo Bay

Legal experts say the Biden administration must fix the sluggish trial process to actually close the military prison.

Policy

First Wave of Afghan Interpreters Head to Fort Lee

Arriving families will stay for the moment in barracks or other housing; the State Department will pick up their food and medical costs.

Ideas

Clarity on Afghanistan, Confusion on Iraq

Biden gave us clarity on Afghanistan and it’s time he does the same in Iraq.

Policy

Officials Deny American Troops Are Pulling Out Of Iraq as Strategic Talks Near

Biden will likely discuss the future of the American troop presence in Iraq when the prime minister visits Washington this month.

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.

Policy

Afghans Own Whatever Comes Next, Biden Says

Rejecting critics, President Joe Biden said the United States isn’t responsible for Taliban gains, civilian deaths, or worsening women’s rights after American troops leave.

Policy

Fighter Jets Leave Afghanistan as US Departs Bagram

Withdrawal from the mammoth base comes as officials continue to seek access elsewhere in the region.

Policy

Air Strikes Renew Battle Over War Authorizations

Some lawmakers are using Sunday’s strikes in Iraq and Syria to push for keeping a two-decade-old statute, but law experts say their arguments don’t hold water.

Threats

Afghanistan is ‘Not a Winnable War,’ White House Says as Taliban Storms Country

President Ghani leaves Washington empty handed, as Biden rejects Republican calls to reverse U.S. troop withdrawal.