David Ignatius's Blog, page 69

The U.S. flexes its military muscle — and restraint — in the Persian Gulf

The military has adopted a low-key strategy in a potentially explosive showdown with Iran.

Uncertainty clouds the path forward for Afghanistan

It would be unforgivable for the United States to leave without a clear counterterrorism strategy to prevent our ever having to return.

Why the United States is playing rope-a-dope with Iran in the Persian Gulf

Iran is trying to provoke U.S. forces into action — but they're not playing.

Saudi Arabia’s leader must reset his relationship with the U.S. as Iran tensions soar

MBS is subverting his own reform process and, ultimately, his country’s future security.

The U.S. is trying to let Iran punch itself out

The United States has a strategy for maritime security as tensions with Iran continue.

Wake up, Democrats. Trump is on something of a roll.

To win in 2020, Democrats will have to produce a reassuring contrast to the loud but chronically insecure president.

Democratic candidates must get tough on Iran. They could seize the high ground.

Instead of endorsing a simple return to the 2015 nuclear deal, the left should push for a new, broader negotiation.

Trump can try to refashion the Fourth of July, but he’ll fail

We all know in our hearts that July 4 is really about the values that have sustained us through good leaders and bad ones.

Trump successfully played a hunch with Kim. Now what?

Trump’s many bad qualities shouldn’t blind us to this good achievement.

Trump says war with Iran wouldn’t last very long. He hasn’t read enough history.

The president’s combination of insult and ingratiation is his foreign-policy trademark.