Best Defense
Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

Free books for Best Defense loyalists

As a way of thanking steady readers and commenters, I’m offering free copies of the first edition of my novel A Soldier’s Duty. Just mail me a self-addressed padded 8×12 inch envelope with $4 of stamps on it, and I will put a signed copy in the mail to you. Here’s a good mailing address: ...

amazon.com
amazon.com
amazon.com

As a way of thanking steady readers and commenters, I'm offering free copies of the first edition of my novel A Soldier's Duty. Just mail me a self-addressed padded 8x12 inch envelope with $4 of stamps on it, and I will put a signed copy in the mail to you.

As a way of thanking steady readers and commenters, I’m offering free copies of the first edition of my novel A Soldier’s Duty. Just mail me a self-addressed padded 8×12 inch envelope with $4 of stamps on it, and I will put a signed copy in the mail to you.

Here’s a good mailing address:

Tom Ricks’ book offer
CNAS
Suite 403
1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC 20034

The offer is good as long as supplies last, or until sainted wife orders them off the front porch — I have about 100 copies — or until the end of next week, whichever comes first. I’ll announce it if and when I run out of books. (I am cleaning out the attic.) So if you want one, send the envelope today.

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

More from Foreign Policy

An illustration shows the Statue of Liberty holding a torch with other hands alongside hers as she lifts the flame, also resembling laurel, into place on the edge of the United Nations laurel logo.
An illustration shows the Statue of Liberty holding a torch with other hands alongside hers as she lifts the flame, also resembling laurel, into place on the edge of the United Nations laurel logo.

A New Multilateralism

How the United States can rejuvenate the global institutions it created.

A view from the cockpit shows backlit control panels and two pilots inside a KC-130J aerial refueler en route from Williamtown to Darwin as the sun sets on the horizon.
A view from the cockpit shows backlit control panels and two pilots inside a KC-130J aerial refueler en route from Williamtown to Darwin as the sun sets on the horizon.

America Prepares for a Pacific War With China It Doesn’t Want

Embedded with U.S. forces in the Pacific, I saw the dilemmas of deterrence firsthand.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, seen in a suit and tie and in profile, walks outside the venue at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Behind him is a sculptural tree in a larger planter that appears to be leaning away from him.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, seen in a suit and tie and in profile, walks outside the venue at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Behind him is a sculptural tree in a larger planter that appears to be leaning away from him.

The Endless Frustration of Chinese Diplomacy

Beijing’s representatives are always scared they could be the next to vanish.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman during an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, on June 22, 2022.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman during an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, on June 22, 2022.

The End of America’s Middle East

The region’s four major countries have all forfeited Washington’s trust.