Putin-Netanyahu

Putin ruins Netanyahu's years of diplomacy. The Israeli prime minister thought he had established a trust-based pragmatic relationship with Putin. The Russian leader has put an end to that perception.

Israel ground offensive delays

Why Biden is wrong to delay Israel's ground offensive. Playing to Hamas's drip-drip hostage release strategy undermines Israel's security and its credible deterrence against threatening neighbors.

155mm artillery trade off, Li Shufu/Nikki Haley

A 155mm artillery strike on Biden's defense trade-offs delusion. The release of shells to Israel instead of to Ukraine shows that the U.S. sometimes has to make trade-offs.

Li Shufu shows why Nikki Haley's evolution on China was necessary. As South Carolina governor, Haley welcomed the head of Volvo to set up a plant in her state. But Li is no simple businessman.

Biden-Israel, China jet rage

Why Biden's Israel visit was successful. The president secured a humanitarian corridor for Gaza and simultaneously pledged U.S. support/deterrence.

China rages at U.S. for condemning dangerous fighter intercepts. Beijing is deeply uncomfortable with the increasing willingness of regional actors to call out its aggression.

Marines-Hezbollah, Orban BRI summit

The Marines have a 40-year-old blood feud with Hezbollah. A bombing 40 years and one week ago explains why.

Viktor Orban bows to Putin and Xi in Beijing. The Hungarian leader never misses an opportunity to remind us that he is no ally of the U.S.

China-Russia vs. Israel, Biden visit to Israel?

China and Russia reinforce diplomatic front against Israel. The two powers are escalating their condemnation of Israel's military response to Hamas's attacks.

Why Biden will likely soon visit Israel. The security and political complications of any visit are outweighed by its prospective value.

Pro-Hamas protests

Shame, do not silence, Hamas supporters for their speech. The Constitution rightly guarantees free speech rights. These rights extend to highly controversial speech.

26th MEU

Amid Hezbollah concerns, watch for any movement of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marine Corps has a crisis response force deployed in the Persian Gulf.

Netanyahu-China

Netanyahu should abandon China over Hamas conflict betrayal. Beijing has adopted a plainly anti-Israeli response to the war.

Gerard Ford CSG, Gaza ground offensive

U.S. carrier strike group deployment is focused on Lebanese Hezbollah. The Gerald R. Ford strike group will arrive off the Lebanese coast on Thursday.

New indications of Israel strategy for Gaza ground offensive. The Israeli military is engaged in shaping operations which indicate a looming offensive into the Hamas stronghold.

Israel-Hamas war

Three key points on Israel-Hamas war. The ramifications of Hamas's attack on Israel are profound in terms of scaled threat, intelligence failure and political consequences.

Trump submarines

Trump's submarine comments would be stupid but do not appear classified. The distinction rests on what China and Russia already know about U.S. submarine forces.

FIFA corruption, Taiwan

FIFA World Cup move reeks of Gianni Infantino's corruption. The FIFA boss appears to have set the deck to ensure that Saudi Arabia gets to host the 2034 World Cup.

Does Taiwan even care if it continues to exist? President Tsai's defense budgets and Taiwanese tech support for China suggest not.

EU-Ukraine support

Why does the European Union get a free pass on Ukraine support? The EU should be doing far more for Ukraine and far more than the U.S. is doing.

PLA cartoon, China-Philippines conflict? Russia on aid to Ukraine, Smart terrorists, China's executive prisoners, Biden-Xi APEC

PLA releases cartoon on militarized-if-necessary reunification with Taiwan. It's another sign of how important Taiwan's status is to the Chinese Communist Party.

Is China willing to start a conflict with the Philippines? The question has to be asked as Manila moves to assert greater authority in its exclusive economic zone.

Russia's overoptimistic assessment of U.S. tensions over Ukraine aid. Moscow senses a weakening of support in Congress. But it fails to recognize the longer-term picture.

A reminder that innovative terrorists pose a special threat. Most terrorists are stupid, but some are technically smart and pose significant threats.

China's strategy to boost foreign investment: hold executives hostage. Beijing is caught between its security paranoia and its need for increased foreign investment.

Yes, Biden should meet with Xi at APEC summit. Dialogue that might mitigate the risk of miscalculation is valuable in and of itself.