Threats
As Toll Mounts, Trump Downplays Injuries Suffered in Iranian Attack
The president's dismissive statements about the brain trauma suffered by U.S. troops at Al Assad may reflect a considered attempt to de-escalate – or not.
Policy
A Split-Screen Moment For Trump As Impeachment Trial Begins
The president is speaking at an economic forum as the Senate begins to debate whether to remove him from office.
Policy
Meet the House Republicans Who Want to Rein In Trump On War
After the Soleimani strike, a working group of moderate Republicans and Democrats trying to “clarify” Congress’s war responsibilities hope they can build momentum.
Policy
House Passes War Powers Resolution to Limit War With Iran
The measure is legally toothless, but could still have some political impact.
Threats
US, Iran Back Away From Conflict—For Now
The crisis appears to be cooling, at least for now, as U.S. lawmakers — and presumably the president — return their focus to the looming impeachment trial in the Senate.
Threats
Iran Launched Missiles at Iraqi Bases with US Forces, Pentagon Says
More than a dozen ballistic missiles were fired at the Al-Assad air base in Anbar province and a base in Irbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan, a DOD statement said.
Threats
Offering No Evidence, Esper Says Soleimani Attack On US Was ‘Days’ Away
Meanwhile, confusion continues over draft letter citing plans to move U.S. forces in Iraq.
Policy
Soleimani Strike Splits 2020 Democrats
It also opens up a key weakness for frontrunner Joe Biden.
Policy
Iraqi Lawmakers Ask Government to Expel US Troops
Iraq analysts say the nonbinding vote is important but removal of U.S. troops is far from a done deal.
Threats
Soleimani Strike Could Imperil US Troops In Iraq
Trump and his allies have sought to frame Iraq’s response to the strikes as a choice between Tehran and Washington, but the situation is not so black-and-white for Baghdad.
Policy
Why Trump and Biden Can’t Cut Troops in Afghanistan Much More
Even ‘bare minimum’ counterterrorism forces require critical intelligence only U.S. personnel can provide, officials warn.
Policy
Top US General Defends Afghanistan War
CJCS Mark Milley denied that officials “lied” to the American public about the 18-year conflict.
Policy
Democratic Candidates Sound Off on China
Three of the seven 2020 candidates at the debate argued the U.S. needs an international coalition to deal with Beijing.
Threats
Esper 'Concerned' About Russian Influence in Egypt, Saudi Arabia
The defense secretary says Moscow's other Mideast efforts worry him more than its growing presence in Syria.
Ideas
Is US Deterrence Against Iran Doomed to Fail?
A key ingredient may be missing. And we won’t know until Tehran launches another attack.
Policy
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Ankara?
The question is not: “Can we live with a rogue Turkey?” but: “Do we have a choice?” said one U.S. official.
Policy
Trump Officials Meet With Libyan Politician Aligned With Opposition ‘Strongman’ In Potential Policy Shift
US support for the UN-recognized Libyan government is in question after a series of quiet meetings with an enterprising presidential hopeful.
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