Ideas

Trump Says US Troops Shouldn’t Be ‘Policemen’ in Afghanistan. So Why Are They There?

In a puzzling Oval Office press conference, the commander-in-chief throws his purported strategy into doubt.

Policy

Esper Assures Wary Senators He'll Keep Military Out of Politics

During his confirmation hearing, the SecDef nominee was asked about Trump, China, and Russia — and not Afghanistan, ISIS, or al-Qaeda.

Policy

EXCLUSIVE: Countries May Begin Backfilling US Troops in Syria Within Weeks, Envoy Says

In an exclusive interview, Amb. Jim Jeffrey also confirmed a breakthrough agreement that could restart the Geneva peace process.

Policy

Top Diplomat Slams ‘Endless War’ Cries of Campaign Trail as ‘the Echo of the 1930s’

“I get terribly worried. Because this shows total ignorance of what’s going on in the world today,” Ambassador Jim Jeffrey says.

Ideas

‘End Forever Wars’ is a Sound Bite, Not a Security Policy

More and more Democratic candidates are echoing Trump’s pledges to withdraw from conflicts abroad. Few say how to do it, nor how it will make us safer.

Policy

Mission No. 1: Esper Will Attend NATO Meeting Next Week

Avoiding international embarrassment, soon-to-be Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper will attend a regularly scheduled defense ministers meeting.

Threats

US Blames Tanker Attacks On Iran; CENTCOM Releases Surveillance Video

Military officials say imagery shows Iranians in boats at the tankers, handling a mine and trying to capture crew members.

Ideas

Trump’s Counter-Iran Moves Are Provocative, But They’re Not War

Truly bad messaging is undermining trust among allies and the American public — and increasing the chance of accidental escalation.

Ideas

How Not to Announce a Ship Deployment

A simple press conference could have avoided 36 hours of confusion and fears of war with Iran.

Ideas

Biden Enters Campaign Talking Charlottesville, But Saying Much More

The former vice president declares “a battle for the soul of this nation,” with global leadership easter eggs hidden within.

Policy

The ‘Day After’ In Syria Finally Came. But What Comes Next?

If U.S. military commanders were unsure of their mission four years ago, it’s even muddier today.

Science & Tech

‘This is Not About Me and Google,’ Says Dunford, Who Will Meet Execs Next Week

Artificial intelligence businesses in China help an authoritarian government and erode America’s military advantage, the Joint Chiefs chairman said.

Policy

Trump Picks New Top NATO Commander

Top US Air Force general in Europe will lead alliance as Trump officials continue to berate members for more money.

Policy

Critics Blast Trump ‘Protection Racket’ Offer as ‘Pure Idiocy’

The White House's "cost plus 50" plan would require allies to pay 150% of American troop costs. Former commanders say it only hurts U.S. interests.