Author Archive

Sara Sorcher

Sara Sorcher
Sara Sorcher is National Journal's national security correspondent. You can find her in the halls of the Pentagon, State Department and Congress covering defense, military and foreign policy issues. Before joining the newsroom in September 2010, Sorcher worked as a freelance journalist in Israel. Her print and video packages have been featured with major outlets including ABC News, The New York Times, TIME, CNN World View and Global Post. Sorcher graduated magna cum laude in Middle Eastern Studies from Tufts University and speaks Hebrew and Arabic.
Threats

Pakistan Wants Drones and It Doesn't Need America's Permission to Get Them

There may be more cooperation between Pakistan and China than the Pakistani government admits. By Sara Sorcher

Threats

Like CSI Pakistan, New Methods Hope to Boost Counterterrorism

Corrupt and inept systems have hampered Pakistan's ability to track terrorists for years. Now, that looks to be changing. By Sara Sorcher

Threats

NATO Chief Says Russia Could Take Ukraine Without Invading

Gen. Breedlove, NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe, said Russia could churn up enough unrest without sending any troops further into Ukraine. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

Poll: NATO Is Unprepared to Counter Russia

The NATO alliance isn't equipped to deter a newly aggressive Russia, according to the latest National Journal's National Security Insiders poll. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

Who Will Replace Rogers at House Intel Committee?

Rep. Mac Thornberry is next in line—but he doesn't want the job, so Reps. Peter King and Devin Nunes are moving in. By Sara Sorcher

Business

Pakistan Isn’t Getting Any U.S. Military Equipment from Afghanistan

Despite media reports, U.S. military officials say Pakistan won’t get any of its leftover military equipment after troops drawdown at the end of the year. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

Senators Demand to Know State Department’s Plan for Syria

At an explosive hearing on the Hill, several senators ripped a top State Department official for not having a plan to stop the bloodshed in Syria. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

Insiders Split Over Military Aid to Ukraine

Most experts say Obama should send aid, but 43 percent said that stokes Russian fury. "We've already lost this battle. Putin is not pulling back." By Sara Sorcher

Business

The Pentagon's Military Strategy Barely Mentions Russia

Moscow’s recent invasion of Ukrainian territory could change the Pentagon’s priorities. By Sara Sorcher

Business

The Pentagon's Plan to Fight Sequestration: Speak English

A top official says too much 'Pentagon speak' is hurting their efforts to communicate their message clearly. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

McCain Blocks Top Pentagon Civilian Picks

The key Republican flexed his legislative muscle, calling answers from Bob Work and Christine Wormuth 'nonsensical.' By Sara Sorcher

Business

The Winners and Losers in Obama's Defense Spending Request

Here's what makes the cut, according to Secretary Hagel’s budget request preview. By Sara Sorcher and Jordain Carney

Business

What's on the Chopping Block—and What's Safe—in the Pentagon's Shrinking Budget?

Here's a look at what might get cut, and what might make the cut. By Sara Sorcher

Business

5 Things You Need to Know About the Next Defense Budget

Here's what you need to know before the fiscal year 2015 budget is released on March 4. By Sara Sorcher

Business

Poll: It's Time for Congress to Agree to Close Military Bases

A National Journal poll of security insiders says Congress needs to get on board with military base closures, but agrees that it probably won't. By Sara Sorcher

Threats

Al-Qaeda Isn't Dying: It's 'Morphing and Franchising'

DNI James Clapper and DIA Director Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn concede that al-Qaeda is not on the "path to defeat." By Sara Sorcher

Threats

U.S. May Have to Wait for Karzai's Successor to Get Troop Deal

James Clapper, director of national intelligence, said he doesn't believe Afghan President Hamid Karzai will sign a troop deal before he leaves office. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

Secretary of State John Kerry Is Back on Twitter

Formerly one of Congress's most colorful tweeters, Secretary of State John Kerry has his own Twitter account again. By Sara Sorcher

Business

Military Focuses on Ethics Training Amid Scandals

Military schools will now have 'ethics units' as the services grapple with a string of high-profile scandals. By Sara Sorcher and Jordain Carney

Policy

Inhofe Says There's Not Enough Support to Override a Veto on Iran Sanctions

President Obama says he will veto any measure to slap new sanctions on Iran. He may have just gotten his way. By Sara Sorcher