A range of Iraqi politicians criticized President Trump over his surprise visit as an affront. The most strident critics were affiliated with Moktada al-Sadr, a nationalist Shiite cleric.
Tag: United States Defense and Military Forces
News Analysis: Trump Unites Left and Right Against Troop Plans, but Puts Off Debate on War Aims
A serious debate over the future of America’s wars is worth having. But the way President Trump made and announced his decisions snuffed out any opportunity.
Trump Makes Surprise Visit to American Troops in Iraq
President Trump’s first visit to forces in a combat zone came after criticism that he had not made such a trip — and days after his defense secretary resigned.
Afghanistan Likely to Delay Election as Trump Presses for Peace Talks
Officials said a presidential vote scheduled for April could be put back at least three months to allow for better preparation. That would give U.S. negotiators more time, too.
Arms Sales to Saudis Leave American Fingerprints on Yemen’s Carnage
Errant Saudi-led airstrikes have killed more than 4,000 civilians, upending the U.S. policy of selling weapons with the expectation that they will rarely be used.
Afghan President Replaces Security Chiefs in Critical Phase of War
President Ashraf Ghani tapped two staunch anti-Taliban veterans to lead the army and police as the United States pushes for peace talks.
Glee in Russia Over Trump’s Foreign Policy Largess
“Trump is God’s gift that keeps on giving,” one analyst said. “Russia can just relax and watch and root for Trump, which Putin does at every TV appearance.”
At War: Behind the Reporting: The Journey of an American Bomb From Arizona to Yemen
In this week’s newsletter: behind the reporting of the magazine’s latest feature from Yemen, a roundup of coverage on the withdrawal from Syria and a Christmas story from the front lines during World War II.
News Analysis: In Afghanistan, Alarm and a Sense of Betrayal Over U.S. Drawdown
President Trump’s decision to cut the American military presence there in half surprised Afghan officials and, they suspect, his own peace negotiators.
Need a Refresher on the War in Afghanistan? Here Are the Basics
Seventeen years into the war, the Taliban are stronger than ever, and U.S. officials fear Afghanistan could still offer a home to those plotting attacks on American soil.