Topic: Center for a New American Security

WikiLeaks: Why classify mundane data?

WikiLeaks released 92,000 pages of classified documents on Sunday, but much of it has viewers wondering why it needed to be kept secret in the first place. Yet there may be compelling reasons, say others.

Lawrence of Arabia, guiding US Army in Iraq and Afghanistan

Lawrence of Arabia's life and writings still give counterinsurgency experts in the US guidance on how to conduct operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Why is Anwar Al-Awlaki terrorist 'No. 1?'

Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki is thought to be connected to at least three alleged terrorist attacks, including the Fort Hood shootings, the Christmas Day bombing attempt on an airliner, and the May 2 Times Square bomb.

Admiral Mullen: foreign policy is too dominated by the military

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says US foreign policy is too dependent on military generals and admirals and not enough on the State Department.

Blackwater fallout: Senate moves to rein in military contractors

The Senate holds a hearing Wednesday on ways to improve oversight of private military contractors, after a series of incidents involving Blackwater. On Tuesday, Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a bill that would stop 'outsourcing' security missions.

QDR: Pentagon revises its long-held two-war doctrine

A key Pentagon strategic document released Monday, called the Quadrennial Defense Review, increases the emphasis on a new range of threats, including cybersecurity. It departs from the military's traditional goal of being able to fight two conventional wars at once.

Afghanistan summit: Why is the US backing talks with the Taliban?

Heading into this week's summit of Afghan allies in London, the top US general in Afghanistan said he supported President Hamid Karzai's plan to reach out to the Taliban.

Obama at one year: new realism in foreign policy

Less ideological than Bush, Barack Obama pursues a more traditional approach to foreign affairs, marked by a narrower definition of US interests.

Al Qaeda double agent: Role in CIA attack points to group's reach

The suicide bomber who killed seven CIA agents last week in Afghanistan was a double agent for Al Qaeda and was recruited by Jordan's intelligence as a spy, according to reports. A new report from a US think tank offers a harsh assessment of CIA intelligence in Afghanistan.

US behind the scenes of Yemen terrorism fight

The US is stepping up its efforts in Yemen quietly, giving the country tools and money to comabt terrorism without fanfare. The strategy is the result of lessons learned in Pakistan, in particular.

Yemen's air strike on Al Qaeda may signal new US focus

Yemen's air strike Thursday targeting Al Qaeda hideouts and perhaps Anwar al-Awlaki, the cleric linked to the Fort Hood shooter, was the second conducted with US assistance in a week.

Once mighty Iraq Air Force rebuilds – but pilots keep low profile

The Iraq Air Force is slowly reclaiming control of the country's airspace – the last bit of Iraqi national sovereignty to be returned as the Americans pull out.

Abu Ghraib attack raises fears of resurgent Al Qaeda in Iraq

The murder of 13 in Abu Ghraib this weekend has some worried that Al Qaeda in Iraq may be exploiting gaps between withdrawing US forces and Iraqi troops not yet ready to stand alone.

Matthew Hoh resigns to stir debate on Afghanistan. Mission accomplished.

Is US strategy in Afghanistan working?

The debate over sending more US troops frames a larger clash over counterinsurgency strategy as the new template for war.

Pentagon seeks stability in Afghanistan deployments

As part of the counterinsurgency mission, US Army units will return to the same regions in order to build on experience and develop stronger relationships on the ground.

Briefing: Indian Ocean as new strategic playing field

Emerging economic superpowers China and India may compete here. What should be the US role?

Iraq: forgotten and in trouble?

Saturday's massive bomb in Kirkuk, combined with political gridlock, raises questions about how ready Iraq is for the withdrawal of US troops from cities by June 30.

US general heads to Afghanistan to develop new strategy

With Gen. Stanley McChrystal on his way to Kabul, CENTCOM commander Gen. David Petraeus warned Thursday that the situation in Afghanistan is the worst since 2001.

In Afghanistan, time is running out, Pentagon worries

The next year will be crucial, several top defense officials say. The US must begin to show progress or risk losing public support.

Gates's next lever to reshape the Pentagon: QDR

This week, the Defense Department will begin the Quadrennial Defense Review, a year-long study that should help the secretary put his stamp on the military.

Can Iraq go it alone?

The dramatic drop in violence over the past year is due in part to US-led efforts. But the insurgency could linger.

Can Iraq go it alone?

The dramatic drop in violenc over the past year is due in part to US-led efforts. But the insurgency could linger.

Gates axes some costly weapons, emphasizes 'irregular' warfare

Defense secretary applies lessons of Iraq, Afghanistan to new Pentagon budget.

Climate may heat crises, too, military analysts say

Competition for resources, ‘climate migrants,’ failed states are among top concerns.