Mattis and the Revolving Door

by David Isenberg In 1953, President Dwight Eisenhower nominated former General Motors president Charles Erwin Wilson as secretary of defense. That sparked a controversy during his confirmation hearings based on his large stockholdings in General Motors. Reluctant to sell the… Continue Reading

Shifting Partnerships and the Road to Peace in the Middle East

by Rana Allam Since the wave of revolt shook the Middle East beginning in 2011, alliances have been shifting with the change of leaderships. Most of those who once shaped the region and balanced the powers are no longer in… Continue Reading

Flynn: End U.S. Support for Israel-Palestine Peace Process

by Eli Clifton This week, Jim Lobe and I have examined how Donald Trump’s national security adviser-designate, Ret. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, is a bewildering choice for a president-elect to tap for national security strategy and advice. In his book,… Continue Reading

Will the Trump Administration Start a War with Iran?

by Paul R. Pillar The direct stakes in whether the Trump administration adheres to the agreement that restricts the Iranian nuclear program are important enough, in terms of nuclear nonproliferation.  Also important are the opportunities to build on that agreement… Continue Reading

“Mad Dog” Mattis: Trump’s Least Belligerent Foreign Policy Advisor?

by Derek Davison During a surreal, post-election “campaign rally” in Cincinnati on Thursday night, President-elect Donald Trump announced (or, to be completely accurate, announced that he would be announcing) that he’s selected retired Marine General James “Mad Dog” Mattis as… Continue Reading