Author Archive
Michael Hirsh
Michael Hirsh is chief correspondent for National Journal. He also contributes to 2012 Decoded. Hirsh previously served as the senior editor and national economics correspondent for Newsweek, based in its Washington bureau. He was also Newsweek’s Washington web editor and authored a weekly column for Newsweek.com, “The World from Washington.” Earlier on, he was Newsweek’s foreign editor, guiding its award-winning coverage of the September 11 attacks and the war on terror. He has done on-the-ground reporting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places around the world, and served as the Tokyo-based Asia Bureau Chief for Institutional Investor from 1992 to 1994.
Hirsh has appeared many times as a commentator on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and National Public Radio. He has written for the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, Harper’s, and Washington Monthly, and authored two books, Capital Offense: How Washington’s Wise Men Turned America’s Future over to Wall Street and At War with Ourselves: Why America Is Squandering its Chance to Build a Better World. Hirsh has received numerous awards, including the Overseas Press Club award for best magazine reporting from abroad in 2001 and for Newsweek’s coverage of the war on terror, which also won a National Magazine Award.
Threats
Who Will Be Afghanistan’s Next President?
As the votes are counted, the U.S. is hopeful that the winner will continue to support American interests in Afghanistan. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Can Obama Still Be 'Leader of the Free World'?
Is being ‘leader of the free world’ too much to ask of any U.S. president these days? By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Ideas
Will the U.S. Become a Post-Ukraine Energy Superpower?
The Russian chill and Mideast instability are boosting bipartisan support for domestic energy production. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Threats
Is This the Start of a ‘Cool War’ With Russia?
Washington and Moscow have already crossed a point of no return: Get ready for retaliatory moves across the globe. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Hillary Clinton Distances Herself from Obama’s Foreign Policy
Is the former Secretary of State worried that President Obama's foreign policy record could become a liability in 2016? By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
The GOP's Foreign Policy Problem
After the crisis in Ukraine, international affairs could play a big role in 2016 -- to the Republicans' disadvantage. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Ukraine Is Obama's Biggest Foreign Policy Test Yet
Forget Iran and Syria. Everything now depends on a show of diplomatic strength that will isolate Russia's Putin. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Threats
Will Obama End the War on Terror?
Despite President Obama's pledge to repeal the Authorization for the Use of Military Force when it expires this year, sources say negotiations to get it done haven't even begun. By Michael Hirsh and James Oliphant
- Michael Hirsh and James Oliphant, National Journal
Threats
Is the CIA Better Than the Military at Drone Killings?
The White House is supposed to be handing the program over to the Pentagon. Here's why they're dragging their feet. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
On NSA Reforms, Obama Passes the Buck to Congress
Once again, President Obama is kicking an important issue over to Congress. First it was Syria,now it's NSA reforms. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Gates: I Was More Loyal to Obama Than His Own Staff
The former defense secretary says he got along well with Tom Donilon, President Obama's former National Security Advisor, but questions the loyalty of other White House staffers. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
How the Fall of Fallujah Could Be Good For the U.S.
For the first time since U.S. troops left Iraq, Washington has leverage with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Business
Obama NSA Panel Member Mike Morell Wants More Surveillance
Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell says the wide-sweeping NSA program could prevent the next 9/11. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Business
The NSA Report Is Only a Small Win for Opponents of the Surveillance State
The presidential commission basically said that the agency could keep its most valuable programs intact. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Bibi Netanyahu Has Never Wanted to Negotiate With Anyone
From Oslo to Geneva, the Israeli premier has never really been willing to compromise. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Threats
The Next Bin Laden
The rise of Al-Qaeda's "Clausewitz" comes at the same time the NSA is being reined in. Will Americans have to live with a surveillance state to protect themselves from this enigmatic threat? By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Bibi Netanyahu is Forcing Obama to Decide Between Iran and Palestine
The administration sees its diplomatic work on both issues as the lynchpins to stability in the Middle East. Too bad Jerusalem isn't on the same page. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Everyone Is Posturing on Iran (and Everyone Wants a Deal)
The Israelis, French, Americans and Iranians have to save face, but reports of their dissension are greatly exaggerated. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Threats
Why the U.S. Should Try to Reach a Grand Bargain With Iran
The White House won't accomplish anything else in the Middle East unless it gets Tehran on its side. The nuclear issue is the best place to start. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal
Policy
Get Over It: America and Its Friends Spy on Each Other
The U.S. may be allied with France, Germany and a host of other countries, but their interests aren't necessarily aligned all the time. By Michael Hirsh
- Michael Hirsh, National Journal