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Jonathan Ernst / Reuters How James Mattis Tried to Explain Trump to the World
“Just as Mattis sought to reassure nervous allies, back home there were numerous reminders that the populist and intemperate impulses of his boss will not be tamed.”
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Rich Pedroncelli / AP The Knowns and Unknowns of Donald Trump's Foreign Policy
As the president-elect assembles his cabinet, a few clues emerge about his enigmatic approach to world affairs.
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Why Do Senior Officers Call Sexual-Assault Reform a 'Slippery Slope'?
They're concerned about undermining the Uniform Code of Military Justice. But that's getting in the way of incremental, common-sense change.
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Why Terrorism Is the New Big African Issue for Obama
The rising threat of extremism is the continent's most alarming trend.
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Can Mitt Romney Recover the Soul of Republican Foreign Policy?
The presidential candidate's party, after a long tradition of strong foreign policy, finds itself lost and divided. Can Romney reunite it, or will neoconservatism dominate by default?
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Some U.S. Generals Unlikely to Get Their Way on Afghanistan
Several military commanders say they want to keep troops in the country, but the White House seems intent on winding down.
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People in Pakistan Really, Really Don't Like the U.S.
Despite American officials' efforts to build a good relationship with the country, three out of four Pakistanis consider the U.S. an enemy.
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Is Obama's 'Pivot to Asia' Really a Hedge Against China?
The U.S. seems to be engaging China while creating a network of bilateral military partnerships and alliances on its periphery as a potential counterweight.
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How the Killing of Bin Laden Has Crippled al Qaeda
The raid in Pakistan was the beginning of a larger campaign against other leaders in the group.
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The End of the Afghan War and a Battle of Semantics
For war-weary Americans who mostly want to know when the Afghan war is over, the answer apparently depends on what the definition of “is” is.
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Obama's Afghanistan Disaster
As public opinion sours at home and two awful incidents set back the effort to win Afghan trust, the president may decide the "good war" isn't good any longer.
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The Global Dangers of Syria's Looming Civil War
As violence worsens, neighboring countries, and perhaps even the U.S., could get drawn in.
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Why Israel Plays Such a Big Role in U.S. Presidential Races
Republican candidates are striving to show their love for Israel, but it's about more than just the Jewish vote
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Iran Containment Policy Cast in Doubt
The alleged plot alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador and high-risk behavior for Tehran defy the "rationale actor" presumption that lies at the heart of nuclear deterrence
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Why We're Leaving Troops in Iraq
Not strategy or necessity, but domestic Washington politics -- and domestic Baghdad politics -- appear to be behind the decision
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Netanyahu's 'Unvarnished Truth' Tour
He outlined his vision for a Middle East peace that is not only at odds with recent White House proposals, but also anathema to Palestinians
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Obama: The Reluctant Warrior on Libya
With an eye on Iraq's history lesson, President Obama takes a measured approach to Libya's civil war
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Next: Will Egypt's VP Have More Credibility Than Mubarak?
The key question is whether Suleiman, senior military leaders, and major elements of the opposition can agree on reforms that will quell the protests
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Obama's High-Risk Afghan Policy
The administration's overview of the war shows progress, but after nearly a decade, patience is wearing thin.
