Breaking News Threats

Austin Asks Top General For ‘Options’ to Evacuate Afghans

Operation would need authorization from White House, which is not yet “actively pursuing” the idea.

Ideas

Don’t Just End the War in Afghanistan, Repeal the Resolution That Authorized It

No current threat remotely justifies roving presidential authority to wage war on multiple continents.

Threats

Pentagon Studying How Counterterrorism Fits Into Great Power Competition

The Pentagon has not previously discussed how to use counterterrorism capabilities for great power competition. Now that’s changing.

Ideas

Redraw the Limits on Lethal Force Against Terror Groups

As the Biden administration reviews policies for use of lethal force outside war zones, it must be certain it’s not perpetuating a cycle of “forever wars.”

Policy

No ‘Boogeyman’: Why the Bin Laden Raid Might be the Last Unifying Moment for US Foreign Policy

The changing threat facing the country and a growing political divide means there’s no common enemy around which Americans can unite.

Ideas

Ten Years After Bin Laden, We Still Need Better Intelligence Sharing

Leaders should still apply the lessons we learned, when contending with China and Russia.

Ideas

Teamwork Led Us to Bin Laden and Can Keep America Safe

As we look back on the Osama bin Laden raid of a decade ago, three lessons stand out.

Ideas

It Was Never All or Nothing in Afghanistan

This is not something we hoped to see from national security leaders and a president we admire so much.

Threats

Petraeus Trashes Biden Decision to Quit Afghanistan

Pulling out now is an “unforced error,” the former commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan said. Other former war leaders say the threat can be managed.

Policy

‘We Will Leave' Afghanistan Likely This Year, Biden Declares

But not by May 1. "It's not my intention to stay there for a long time, the question is how and under what circumstance,” the president said, at the White House.

Ideas

America Needs to Take Charge of the ISIS Aftermath

Two years after the fall of the caliphate, the world should not leave this to the SDF.

Ideas

ISIS and Al-Qaeda’s Sub-Saharan Affiliates Are Poised for Growth in 2021

A rundown on jihadi groups’ expansion in the Sahel and Nigeria, the Horn of Africa, and the continent’s southeastern Swahili coast.

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

Don’t Discount America’s Interest in Keeping Africa Safe

As the Pentagon removes more troops, consider what its modest investment has garnered.

Exclusive Policy

Trump Officials Reviewing DOD Support To CIA

Some officials familiar with the review see it as an effort to cut vital DOD support to the agency.

Ideas

The Next Administration Should Bring the Shadow Wars into the Light

Lethal tactics and entire campaigns launched urgently after 9/11 have corroded oversight and American standing.

Ideas

As Spotlight Fades, What Next for Special Operators?

Under Trump, the Pentagon's ‘service secretary’ in charge of SOF has changed hands eight times between seven people.