Situation Report
A weekly digest of national security, defense, and cybersecurity news from Foreign Policy reporters Jack Detsch and Robbie Gramer, formerly Security Brief. Delivered Thursday.
The Pentagon’s Budget Wish List
Biden wants to solidify the pivot to Asia. Congress might have other ideas.
Washington’s Blind Spots on Foreign-Policy Crises
Everyone in Washington seems to be focused on China. But here are some brewing crises that could flare up when they’re not looking.
Biden Goes Off-Script on China
The U.S. president’s first 100 days in office show foreign policy is (nearly) all about domestic policy.
The U.S. Never Can Say Goodbye to Afghanistan
The Pentagon is going to need more firepower to pull out U.S. troops.
U.S. Bucks Won’t Stop in Afghanistan
Biden administration officials have said U.S. troops are leaving the battlefield in Afghanistan, but the U.S. aid spigot won’t end.
Has Biden Shut the Door on Open Skies?
Three months into Biden’s presidency, some consistent themes remain from Trump’s tenure.
Russia Escalates Conflict in Ukraine
Is Moscow’s muscle-flexing a show of force or a renewal of the war?
Why Is U.S. National Security Run by a Bunch of Benchwarmers?
Biden has named nominees for only 16 of over 300 top posts.
Team Biden’s Asia Tour Shows Alliances Aren’t Easy
Austin and Blinken are trying to get U.S. allies in the region on the same page. It’s easier said than done.
Biden Team Pivots to Asia
The U.S. president’s foreign-policy staff hopes to make the pivot real with an early trip to the region.
Corruption in Afghanistan as ‘Big a Threat’ as Taliban
Congress and watchdogs aren’t pleased about billions of wasted taxpayer dollars in the so-called forever wars.
The New ‘Forever War’: Pentagon Takes on Extremism
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has given the U.S. military instructions to deal with white supremacy as extremists target new recruits in the ranks.
Biden’s National Security Council Sharpens Focus on China
The council’s Indo-Pacific Directorate is set to be the largest, and one of the most influential, arms of Biden’s national security team, administration insiders say.
Pressure Mounts on Biden to Cancel Billions More in Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. president has already halted some arms sales to the Gulf. How he handles the rest will be a bellwether for progressives’ sway over his foreign policy.
The Post-Trump Reset With NATO Starts in Germany
The Biden administration has paused Trump’s plan to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from Germany, an early move to reassure allies.
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