Robert Gates Commentary

Competence Over Ideology

Obama seems to be leaning toward restraint on the domestic front. But the appointment of Hillary Clinton as secretary of state has many wondering if prudence will be the guiding light in Obama’s foreign policy.

Kabul Goes Tribal

The best way to solve insurgency issues in Afghanistan is to adopt policies that succeeded in Iraq—work with local tribal leaders instead of nation building.

NATO's Drug Problem

NATO's new war on drugs in Afghanistan will put troops in greater danger for a venture that may not even work. It just might be the straw that breaks the alliance's back.

The Mad Matron

While Joe Biden was a smooth talking elder statesman, Sarah Palin laid down the law—and her house rules are a little frightening.

Staying on the Job?

America’s problems will not go away after the election. The winner in November should consider keeping Robert Gates on to help with the transition.

The U.S. Shoots its Dog

The United States should talk to Russia, not continue with abrasive—and ineffective—posturing.

NATO's New Rival

There is a new counterweight to NATO. The crisis in Georgia has brought balancing back.

Charting a Strait Course

The Bush administration hasn’t done enough to maintain the precarious military balance between China and Taiwan. Will the next president be the same, or instead seize an opportunity to improve Beijing-Taipei relations?

Iraq in Perspective

Amidst all the talk of troop numbers, drawdowns and militia crackdowns, TNI makes sense of the Iraq situation.

Are the U.S. and Russia on a Collision Course?

Last Thursday, Nixon Center President Dimitri K. Simes discussed his article in the recent issue of The National Interest. He offered both an explanation for the strained interaction, and some answers about where it is headed.

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May 18, 2013