Ideas

Trump Finally Gets the War He Wanted

Gen. Milley and Secretary Esper accompanied the president to a photo op — and right into his American war.

Ideas

China is a Serious Issue, Not a Campaign Meme

'Beijing Biden' is a baseless political smear, trivializing one of America’s most complicated challenges.

Policy

62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds

Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.

Ideas

Propaganda, the President, and the ‘Reopen’ Protesters

The military’s nostalgic WWII-style posters urge face masks and national unity, but they’re not reaching Trump and his disbelieving followers.

Ideas

Don't Be Fooled. Trump’s Cuts to WHO Aren’t About the Coronavirus

Republicans have been hating on international organizations for decades. This is just a convenient excuse to take another shot, and it harms American security.

Ideas

So Much for Keeping the Military Out of Politics

Acting Navy Secretary Modly’s Trumpian approach to the military and his firing of a carrier captain has gone over like a lead anchor. Now members of Congress are calling for his own firing.

Threats

Aircraft Carrier Captain Fired For ‘Poor Judgement’ In Sending Coronavirus Letter

Acting Secretary Modly’s Thursday decision to sack the skipper of Theodore Roosevelt was quickly criticized as retaliation for embarrassing Navy leaders.

Ideas

Trump Could Have Led the World Against the Coronavirus

We have to isolate ourselves from the virus. He doesn't have to isolate us from the world.

Threats

‘We Want to Be the Last Resort,’ Says Defense Secretary

Pentagon’s Esper says the U.S. military is ready to help fight the coronavirus, but may not be the best — or fastest — solution.

Threats

Attacks on DOD Networks Soar as Telework Inflicts ‘Unprecedented’ Loads

As DOD scrambles to find equipment for those who can work from home, Pentagon leaders tell personnel: ‘No hand-shaking, no high-fives,” and clean your workstations.

Threats

Pentagon Bars Most Guests, Travelers Starting Monday

New restrictions apply to visitors, foreigners, ceremonies. International travelers must wait 14 days for entry.

Threats

General Takes Blame for ‘No Injuries’ Declaration After Jan. 8 Iran Strike

“I was never under any pressure at any time to shade this reporting,” CENTCOM’s Gen. Frank McKenzie told Congress. More than 100 troops later were diagnosed with TBI.

Threats

NATO Has ‘Growing Realization’ About Risks of Using Huawei Gear, Top General Says

But USAF’s Wolters offered no evidence that U.S. officials are persuading allies to shun Chinese 5G networking products.

Ideas

The West Can’t Even Agree on Itself, Much Less China

At the Munich Security Conference, allies argued with each other as much as their adversaries, rejecting Trump administration views on issue after issue.

Policy

Esper Says White House 'Never' Pressured Him on JEDI

Denying claims that Trump meddled, Defense Secretary Mark Esper says he alone chose to review the $10 billion cloud contract.

Threats

US Agrees to Reduce Forces in Afghanistan ‘If Taliban Live up To Their Commitments’

The tests will begin with a seven-day ceasefire to start “very soon,” a senior U.S. administration official told reporters.

Threats

Now It's 64. Wounded Troop Tally from Iran Missile Strike Rises Again

Trump “understands the nature” of brain injuries, says Defense Secretary Esper after the president downplayed Americans’ wounds as not “serious.”

Ideas

Who Gets to Tell the Story of the Afghanistan War?

The Washington Post’s ‘Afghanistan Papers’ is the latest contribution to a growing argument over whether the conflict — or any of the ‘forever wars’ — was worth the cost.