Prospects for a smooth handover of security to Afghan authorities appear dismal, but new leadership from Washington could improve this interval, says Daniel Markey.

Micah Zenko says regardless of who wins the election in November, there are five core principles of U.S. foreign policy that are widely held on both sides of the aisle. However, these principles also rest on shaky ground and often undermine U.S. national interests.

While effective, Special Operations Forces (SOF) have little lasting effects, so the increased reliance on SOF to get the job done in the Middle East and South Asia is worrisome, says Max Boot.

With the strategic focus of the U.S. military in flux and the Pentagon's budget under significant scrutiny, this CFR Issue Tracker looks at the 2012 presidential candidates' positions on defense.

Micah Zenko says that while it's admirable for senior defense leadership to adopt a forward-looking approach, the U.S. military cannot predict where future conflicts will emerge and where they will be deployed to fight.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave this October 15, 2012 interview with CNN, regarding intelligence on and investigation of the consulate attack in Benghazi.

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon says, in Thursday night's debate, Vice President Biden worked to portray Paul Ryan as the candidate most in favor of continuing the unpopular fight in Afghanistan, a war that President Obama advanced and that the public no longer backs.

American approach to deadly drone strikes in Pakistan proves overly blunt, says journalist and Waziristan native Pir Zubair Shah.

Frank G. Klotz says the United States needs to rebuild its icebreaking capability in Antarctica, otherwise protecting U.S. interests—in both polar regions—will become even more challenging.

Richard A. Falkenrath and Paul Rosenzweig argue that encryption-based technology is a better way to secure governmental data than mandates that keep information within geographical boundaries.

The Senate's Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs , Subcommittee on Investigations, released this report on "Federal Support for and Involvement in State and Local Fusion Centers" on October 2, 2012.

Colonel Brian M. Killough, USAF, says the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, is a measured step in the long trek toward a globally-capable navy that an emerging superpower needs. While a solid indicator of intent, it's not a threat—yet.

Micah Zenko says leave the "better off" question aside and look at safety, "The reality is that, across a range of criteria, Americans are indeed safer and more secure than four years ago."

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (H.R. 4310) passed in the House in May 2012 and awaits decision by the Senate.

Pakistani foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar discusses U.S.-Pakistan relations, focusing on the bilateral relationship beyond national security concerns.

The UN General Assembly will likely address two "lightning rod" issues: ending the bloodshed in Syria and curbing Iran's nuclear development, says CFR's Stewart Patrick.

The U.S. defense budget has grown to inordinate levels, and the American public isn't happy about it. Scott Rasmussen sets out proposals on how to create a leaner military spending strategy that is more efficient and satisfies the desires of the voters.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta gave these remarks to the PLA Engineering Academy of Armored Forces in Beijing, China on September 19, 2012.

Mitt Romney's response to the recent anti-American protests are passed off as foolish, simple political rhetoric, writes David Horsey.

Micah Zenko examines the public comments of John Brennan, Obama's closest adviser for intelligence and counterterrorism issues, and finds that there are seven half-truths and direct contradictions between stated U.S. policies and actual practices.