The president appears to be trying to balance competing impulses: bringing troops home while ensuring that efforts to contain ISIS will continue — and answering withering criticism for his Syria policy.
Tag: Defense Department
Pentagon Chief Makes Unannounced Visit to Afghanistan, and Pelosi Does the Same
Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and the House speaker arrived as the U.S. considers reviving peace talks with the Taliban.
How the U.S. Military Will Carry Out a Hasty, Risky Withdrawal From Syria
The Pentagon will have to disassemble combat bases that were built to stay for a mission that was supposed to last, and protect the troops as they withdraw amid a chaotic battlefield.
Trump Orders Troops and Weapons to Saudi Arabia in Message of Deterrence to Iran
The announcement came five days after Mr. Trump said his desire to end America’s “endless wars” led him to pull back troops from the Syria-Turkey border.
Caught Between Trump, Turkey and Kurds, Pentagon Struggles to Piece Together Syria Strategy
The Pentagon is scrambling to respond to the words of a president who views Syria and the fight against ISIS as a battle largely won and done for American troops.
New U.S. Aid to Saudi Arabia Will Include 200 Troops
The small deployment of defensive military hardware is tepid in comparison to some of the remarks leveled by American officials after the Sept. 14 strikes on Saudi oil fields.
I Run War Games. Too Often, I Am the Only Woman in the Room.
There is something empowering about being able to command a room of my male colleagues. But the thing is, I’m tired of being a rarity.
Trump Focuses on Defending Saudis, Not Striking Iran, for Now
The administration is not ruling out military strikes. But for now, President Trump is content to remain within the parameters of defense, not offense.
Trump’s National Security Aides Refining Possible Iran Options
President Trump has threatened to order “the ultimate option” of a strike on Iran after attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities, but also emphasized his opposition to another war.
To Find Clues in Saudi Oil Attacks, U.S. Examines Missile and Drone Parts
American investigators are gathering evidence to bolster their claim that Iran was responsible for attacking oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.