Too Many Generals Spoil the Democracy

by William J. Astore America has always had a love affair with its generals. It started at the founding of the republic with George Washington and continued with (among others) Andrew Jackson, Zachary Taylor, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D.… Continue Reading

Donald Trump Reportedly Considering Every Living American for Secretary of State

by Derek Davison Donald Trump is still adding names to his list of potential secretaries of state. After reports earlier in the week suggested that the race was down to two finalists, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and… Continue Reading

The Woulda Coulda Shoulda School of Foreign Policy Analysis

by Paul R. Pillar A recurring feature in criticism of President Obama’s foreign policy, particularly in referring to strife-torn Syria and Iraq, is the notion that if only the United States had followed some different course, bad things in such… Continue Reading

Leaker, Speaker, Soldier, Spy

By Nick Turse I ran into David Petraeus the other night. Or rather, I ran after him. It’s been more than a year since I first tried to connect with the retired four-star general and ex-CIA director — and no… Continue Reading

America’s Sinkhole Wars

by Andrew J. Bacevich We have it on highest authority: the recent killing of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour by a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan marks “an important milestone.” So the president of the United States has declared,… Continue Reading