David Ignatius's Blog, page 50

What went wrong with the protection of the U.S. Capitol

The pro-Trump invasion underscores that the most devastating attacks often aren’t surprises but ones that we see coming.

Why weren’t officials at the Capitol more prepared for this insurrection?

Officials saw the mob coming but weren’t ready — or able — to stop it.

Wednesday’s protests could get ugly. But officials should be able to handle it — without the armed forces.

Seeking to avoid the worst as Biden’s victory is certified.

A year-end office pool quiz: Place your bets for 2021

Any inaccurate 2021 predictions will be pardoned.

Until Biden’s win is certified, the U.S. remains vulnerable

Much can still happen before Jan. 6.

Russia’s SolarWinds hack was espionage, not an act of war

Technology companies are incensed, but the federal government is more sanguine.

Republicans’ road ahead is still blocked — and not just by Trump

Weak Republican leadership and an angry base stand in the way of political sanity.

Biden should consider ‘creative passivity’ in the Middle East

Sometimes, a laid-back approach is best.

John le Carré didn’t just invent the characters in the foreground of the spy world. He designed the entire set.

His genius was that his re-imaginings of people and events have proved more memorable than the real things.

Lynn Coleman changed how Washington works

He was a rocket ship that launched from the heartland carrying brilliance, ambition and humor.