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March 28, 2008 | NATO's Unhappy Warriors

Wess Mitchell: While the United States has been prodding the alliance’s second-tier members, newcomers have stepped up in Afghanistan.

November 27, 2009 | Put Your Policy Where your Money Is

The United States still has not ratified the anti-landmine Treaty. ++ So far, 156 nations have signed on, making the US the only NATO member still holding out. ++ The US has not produced any landmines since the convention in 1993 but the military continues to stockpile the weapons, which would be impossible under the new treaty. ++ Furthermore, in that time, the US has become the largest financer

November 27, 2009 | "Quitting Afghanistan"

As in Iraq, there is no victory to be found in Afghanistan. ++ Only when foreign troops leave will the conflict come to an end. ++ Whether there will be an increase in troops or not, the question still remains: will the new Afghanistan strategy look for a fall-guy? ++ The growing perception among the political and military leadership in Pakistan is that the US wants to “transfer its war heritage”

October 21, 2009 | US Must "Soldier On" in Afghanistan

The early victory, coupled with key mistakes and the over use of air support at the start of the conflict has led to the present, dire security situation. ++ The “pacification of a country needs boots on the ground [and] the tiny US military footprint bred a long-term disaster.” ++ The immense airpower used by ISAF forces has alienated the Afghan population leaving them hostile

October 12, 2009 | US, Not Obama, Deserving of Nobel Prize

“The Nobel committee did President Obama no favors by prematurely awarding him its peace prize.” ++ The President has not yet done anything deserving of such an award but was right to accept it with the humility he did. ++ The Nobel Peace Prize comes as an award for the greater US ideal of maintaining global peace and subsequently for the military that have served around the world,

September 23, 2009 | Obama's Afghan Indecision

Obama looks to be uncertain if his grand strategy for Afghanistan will work. ++ Even though the US does not have vital interests in the Middle East it still has an obligation to stay until the end and support Kabul. ++ “Democrats have to realize that more time is needed, and Republicans must acknowledge that America’s combat commitment cannot be indefinite.” ++ “Defeat for

September 7, 2009 | The Afghanistan Abyss

President Obama must not add to the 21,000 troops that he has sent to Afghanistan recently as this would be an historic mistake. ++ This will only serve to “galvanize local people to back the Taliban in repelling the infidels.” ++ Leading intelligence officials are increasingly warning that Washington does not understand the determination of the opposition and the danger of

July 17, 2009 | Anti-Terror War in Afghanistan Must End

The UK and other countries must pull out most of their forces from Afghanistan. ++ More troops will not lead to less military casualties. ++ Al-Quaeda does not need Afghanistan as a training ground, as it can count on affiliates in many other countries. ++ “If counter-terror and Pakistan’s stability are our real concerns- as they ought to be-” then UK and US troops must concentrate on the real

June 24, 2009 | Beginning the End of the US' Role in Iraq

Punctual US troop withdrawal is the crucial next step for Iraq. ++ Violence will be determined by Iraqi cooperation with the US and across ethnic and sectarian lines. ++ US forces should be able to help their Iraqi counterparts resist al Qaeda by providing intelligence, logistics assistance
and operational advice. ++ There needs to be a compact between Arabs and Kurds, as well as Sunnis and

June 4, 2009 | No Distinction Among Taliban Tyrants

The opposition from the Taliban to the Pakistani and US troops is increasing. ++ “The support of mainstream political parties and, increasingly, of the civil society” as well as from India, for Pakistan’s military operations means the international community can trust that Islamabad’s nuclear arsenal will be secure. ++ There is a “basic misconception” in the US in regards to their failure to

May 14, 2009 | Let's Not Kid Ourselves: Afghanistan Is Not Iraq

Gen. Petraeus faces a tougher fight in Afghanistan then Iraq in applying his counterinsurgency tactics; to first hit the insurgency hard to then strip away the moderates.++ His asset of strong diplomatic support to enable a regional approach, is upset by two current difficulties: instable Pakistan, crucial to military success, is sceptical of cooperation, and there remains a lack

December 16, 2008 | Obama Will Have to Reconsider Afghanistan Goals

The Taliban now control 72% of Afghanistan, up from 54% in 2007. ++ Many of the new US troops being sent will be placed around Kabul; Afghanistan cannot afford an army strong enough to control the whole country. ++ This leaves President Karzai’s power limited. ++ International support is paying to increase local military from 160,000 to 215,000, but more are needed. ++ When that support runs

November 26, 2008 | Discontent With Maliki Shakes US-Iraqi Security Pact

Iraqi PM Maliki Iraq faces tough opposition today as his cabinet scrambles to find support for a US withdrawal bill. ++ “The opposition is about Maliki” said a US official. ++ A failure of the bill would mean a US withdrawal starting early next year, instead of ending in 2011. ++ Maliki has ruled out an extension to the current UN mandate for the US troops, which runs out at the end of the year.

November 24, 2008 | US Misunderstands Iraqi Politics, Withdraws

Bush’s desire for a long-term military presence in Iraq beyond 2011 has been precluded by an agreement that embarrasses the US administration. ++ The Iraqi government forced changes to the document that leaves only a complete withdrawal. ++ US troops must leave city areas by June 2009 or sooner. ++ The deal went through only because Bush believes Obama would leave more quickly. ++ The refusal of

November 14, 2008 | Robert Gates: Coordination Needed in Afghanistan

Operations in Afghanistan are hamstrung by limitations placed on forces from different nations. ++ Many willing to provide troops lack money or have political constraints. ++ Soldiers are needed not only on the battlefield but also to train security forces, yet “our own security toolbox must be equipped with more than just hammers.” ++ Coordination with EU, NGOs and Afghan government is needed,

September 15, 2008 | US Attacks in Pakistan Must Continue

In July President Bush decided to increase attacks by US forces against the Taliban in tribal areas. ++ This increase is in response to the Taliban’s growing strength in Pakistan, more attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan, and an increase in terrorist threats. ++ The US must find a way to balance its relations with President Zardari of Pakistan, and also continue its attacks against the Taliban

August 1, 2008 | Iraq Has the Most Promising Future in the Region

There are many reasons to believe that Iraq is going to make it: violence is declining, US soldiers are turning province after province over to the Iraqi Security Forces, and planning withdrawals for 2009. ++ These developments should be acknowledged by the critics of the Iraq war, who underestimated the strategical importance of a constitutional Iraq. ++ Of course, a secure future for Iraq is

June 20, 2008 | Obama Needs a New Strategy for Iraq

Obama should readjust his Iraq strategy like many other former opponents of the war did. ++ US will be remembered as much for how it got out of Iraq as for how it got in. ++ A precipitous withdrawal may give Iranians the chance to dominate Iraq. ++ Obama should acknowledge the need to stay tough there, even as he continues to claim credit for having been against the project. ++ Democrats may be

June 17, 2008 | US Deal Leads to Rising Resentment in Iraq

Iraq’s disparate ethnic groups are united in their opposition to the latest American political and military intentions for the country. ++ According to Bush’s plan, occupation of Iraq could be indefinite. ++ The president should leave the task of settling a deal with the Iraqi government to his successor and be content with an extension of the UN mandate, which is soon to expire. ++ His current

June 3, 2008 | New Tipping Point in Iraq, but This Time it's Positive

US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, who is known for cautious assessments, said terrorists in Iraq have “never been closer to defeat than they are now.” ++ The Iraqi government has gained control of Basra and Sadr City for the first time. ++ US analysts and politicians need to rethink their “this-war-is-lost” perception. ++ With a plan based on success, Obama might actually be able to carry out

May 15, 2008 | Weapons in Space: A New Kind of Armament

The US is making a bold, perhaps doltish, move by refusing to discuss a treaty aimed at preventing weapons in outer space. ++ China and Russia have warned that a countermove would be unavoidable to ensure their own security. ++ Many are urging the Pentagon to consider the historical consequences of expanding warfare to new frontiers. ++ In reality, however, defense contractors and military

April 17, 2008 | Iran Could be a Partner of the US in Iraq

Contrary to the Bush administration’s claim last week, the main interest of Iran in Iraq is not to predicate on violence but to stabilize this country. ++ To prevent the possible future aggression from the Sunnites and to stop the agitation for Kurdish autonomy, Iran should not derange the unfolding democratic process. ++ To emerge as the leading power in the Gulf, Iran needs the withdrawal of US

March 10, 2008 | Al Qaeda Will Not Rule Iraq

It is a misunderstanding of Al Qaeda’s nature and aims that leads to the fear it could implement an Islamic state in Iraq if the US troops were to leave. ++ Al Qaeda is a non-territorial global entity that antagonizes the West, disrupts existing conflicts but cannot coordinate enough key local actors so as to rule a state. ++ In Iraq, it is the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds who play the central role.

April 12, 2007 | Robert D. Kaplan on When North Korea Falls

North Korean nuclear tests are symptoms of an unheralded threat: not the exertion of North Korean strength, but the prospective collapse of Kim Jong Il’s government. Weakness in Pyongyang could result in desperation, a WMD attack on the South, or full-on military engagement with Seoul. Drawing on this possibility of collapse, Robert D. Kaplan discusses opportunities for:

1. Reconstruction and