Blog Posts

“Congress passed a measure on Thursday that would offer sanctuary to a fraction of the Afghan interpreters and translators who have risked their lives to help the military.”

This CTC report evaluates how the make-up, scale, and scope of the Iraq- and Syria-bound foreign fighter problem has changed over the last decade.

“Using U.S. support to El Salvador during the country’s 12-year civil war as a case study, Ladwig evaluates Washington’s two main strategies for influencing local governments.”

"Ministries of foreign affairs are no longer the exclusive channel for international contacts."

“There is reason to believe that James Mattis would represent a desperately needed voice of reason in the Trump administration's national security team.”

"Despite making regular remarks on the campaign trail disparaging the nation’s generals, Trump has long shown an affinity for them."

"Hmmm. I have some doubts about this. For starters, that $125 billion is over five years. That comes to $25 billon per year."

Continue on for a graphic NYT multi-media look at Duterte’s Philippines.

“Mattis’s nomination to the position may effectively require 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a procedural hurdle, as well a separate vote in the House to grant him an exemption.”

The Autumn 2016 issue of Parameters is now online. Continue on for links to all the articles.

"On Thursday, at a post-election victory rally in Cincinnati, President-elect Donald Trump announced his pick for secretary of defense."

"In light of trends exposed by our recent elections, this renegotiation of America’s civil-military relationship is already underway."

Evacuation, even if done properly, will be traumatic; but it will save countless lives among civilians and Iraqi security forces.

“Small Wars Journal” is known for some serious discussions about wars big and small, analysis of strategy, tactics, firefights in deserts, mountains, jungles, yadda, yadda…

"The tilt toward military officials may reflect a limited pool of civilian options."

"Since its 2008 incursion into Georgia (if not before), there has been a remarkable evolution in Russia's approach to propaganda."

By Erin Simpson at War on the Rocks. SWJ disagrees, but Dr. Simpson offers up food for thought concerning the next administration.

"American military, intelligence and law enforcement officials acknowledge that the Islamic State still retains a sophisticated social media arm."

"A plucky Irish Catholic kid from Rhode Island, he wasn’t impressed by rank. He told his junior officers to challenge him in briefings."

“Many have suffered under the Islamic State, but the misery inflicted on Sunnis will resonate for generations.”

Continue on for the video.

“At least six former generals are being considered for as many as four top positions in a Trump administration .”

"General David Petraeus has indicated he would be willing to serve in President-elect Donald Trump's administration if asked."

"A Green Beret's plea to Donald Trump. There is cause for optimism in hearing the names of potential candidates for key positions in the executive branch."

With tensions at an all-time high in the Middle-East, a burgeoning Russian footprint in Syria, and a stalemated diplomatic effort with Iran, Trump’s obstacles remain daunting.