After news broke that U.S. armed forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Dec. 10, the government in Caracas accused President Donald Trump of “piracy.” Hair-trigger condemnation of Trump’s every word or action has become the dreary background noise for a president who, instead of wringing his hands, often takes decisive […]

Taiwan faces the growing threat of an invasion by China. Beijing dwarfs Taipei in nearly every respect. But a very American solution can help Taiwan better deter a Chinese invasion. Taiwan, a former U.S. national security adviser has observed, should develop a “gun culture.” The proposal might seem unconventional, but it is desperately needed. Chinese Communist Party […]

One year after Syrian rebel forces stormed Damascus and brought down President Bashar al Assad’s regime, the struggle to shape a new political order has intensified. The fall of Assad in late 2024 created a rare opening to reshape Syria’s regional alignments and curb Russia’s long-term influence on Damascus. Twelve months on, however, Washington has […]

Another week, another low-key but significant win for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). This time, Johnson steered the annual National Defense Authorization Act to passage on a 312–112 vote, even though the procedural rule squeaked through by a far narrower 215–211 margin. The ability of Johnson once again to produce responsible governance out of a […]

ARLINGTON, Virginia — My wife was surprised to learn that I was headed to the airport on Monday. The next day was our daughter’s birthday, and I had been gone most of the past three weeks. I had not mentioned any travel plans to her, and she was counting on me to cook dinner. Alarmed […]

I marvel at the determination of MAGA-leaning intellectuals and apologists to define Trumpism as some sort of philosophy. Trumpism is whatever happens to suit President Donald Trump. When he turns 180 degrees, he expects his followers to — well, to follow. Those who insist on trying to find consistency in his ideas, or who claim […]

Many have left behind the obsession with diversity, equity, and inclusion that infected entertainment (and society) back in 2020. But CBS‘s Survivor has not, and its DEI casting is killing what used to be one of the best shows on TV. In 2020, CBS imposed racial quotas on the casting process for its reality shows, […]

Can you guess which of these quotes came from a politician and which came from a show for three-year-olds? “There are at least three [genders].” “I say to all trans and nonbinary people: We see you. We love you. We will never stop fighting for you.” “I’m nonbinary … And I also use ‘they’ and […]