Threats

‘We're Not Taking Sides,’ Trump Tells Clashing Kurds, Iraqis

The Pentagon watches two American allies turn on each other, as Iraq’s fractious politics are laid bare once again.

Policy

Mattis to Generals: Start Talking to the Press

Nine months into the Trump administration, the defense secretary tells senior military leaders to engage with the media — but stay in their lanes.

Policy

McMaster: I’m Here to Serve, Not ‘Control the President’

The national security adviser says his job is to help the commander-in-chief by providing options and executing decisions to advance Trump’s agenda.

Threats

In Fiery UN Speech, Trump Delivers The Far-Right Goods

The black-helicopter crowd, and the president’s base, should love this Bannon-esque, undiplomatic speech, filled with ‘America First,’ ‘radical Islamic extremism,’ and cries for sovereignty over collective security.

Policy

Trump Directly Counters Mattis, Military, In Tweet on North Korea

‘Talking is not the answer!’ says president, after threatening ‘all options’ following North Korean missile-launch over Japan.

Threats

Will Anyone Care About Trump's Barely-Different Afghanistan War Plan?

Pull out. Stay in. Double down. It’s the military’s war until elected officials make it America’s war. And Americans won’t care by Wednesday, anyway.

Policy

Trump’s Transgender Troop Ban Sparks An Instant Opposition of Unusual Allies

The commander in chief tweet-declares a stunning change for military personnel, but it’s far from clear he can make it stick.

Policy

Why John McCain Matters More than the GOP Realizes

Without McCain, Republicans have no clear leader on defense issues. Not that they ever listen to him, anyway.

Threats

New Tactics, Quicker Decisions Are Helping to ‘Annihilate’ ISIS, Pentagon Says

The military’s top leaders credit Trump for delegating authority and directing efforts to surround ISIS fighters.

Policy

Spy Chief Searching for Cuts Across Entire US Intelligence Community

Trump's new intelligence chief, Dan Coats, says he’s already moving on GOP lawmakers’ request to streamline all 17 agencies, including his own ODNI.

Threats

ISIS-in-Afghanistan Is Losing Recruits to Other Groups, US Officials Say

SecDef Mattis says he’s made no decision on adding troops, but warns of a confrontation if Russia continues to arm the Taliban.

Policy

With Mattis Visiting, Netanyahu Applauds Trump’s Military Strikes

Israeli security leaders and U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis blamed Iran for backing an “axis of evil” from Hezbollah to Pyongyang.  

Threats

‘No Doubt’ Syria Behind Chemical Attack, Mattis Says

And Trump’s rush order for a counter-ISIS plan, remains just a “skeleton,” Mattis said. "It's going to take time."