warontherocks

Was Pakistan’s military gambit across the Durand Line a clever maneuver or a spectacular miscalculation? The question hangs heavy over the volatile and still-contested Afghan-Pakistani border as a dangerous cycle of escalation unfolds. In December 2024, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan’s

Last week, a meeting with President Zelensky of Ukraine at the White House exploded into acrimony in front of the cameras. Since then, an era-defining drama has been unfolding across the West as Europe prepares for a world where it might not be backed by U.S. military power. U.S. military aid and

Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below. *** Russia Over the last two weeks, Russia has observed the shift in U.S. foreign policy with delight. As the

Chris, Zack, and Melanie have a rather somber discussion about the Trump administration’s efforts to get a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Why is Trump so insistent on getting an immediate deal? What carrots and sticks, if any, are being given to each side? How will Europe respond to the

In the middle of the night, a CBS News crew onboard the Cape Engaño woke to the sound of alarms. The Philippine sailors directed the media team to put on life jackets while the crew prepared to defend themselves with clubs against a potential Chinese boarding. About 60 nautical miles from the