Truman National Security Project

Writing for The Wall Street Journal, Truman Project President Rachel Kleinfeld makes an argument for arming the rebels in Syria. Wars are ugly. They are deadly. They have unintended consequences and spillover effects. And yet, sometimes, putting a thumb on the scales of war is the lesser evil. Sometimes, dealing in arms is the right [...]

Iraq’s nascent democracy faces a new dilemma: whether or not to embrace the political comeback of a former militia leader. Muqtada al-Sadr, the firebrand Shia cleric, has launched a public relations campaign, rebranding himself as a voice of sectarian harmony. Should Iraqis welcome Sadr with open arms, or be wary of his new persona? Sadr [...]

Writing for Reuters, Peter Apps profiles Qatar’s rising influence in the Middle East and North Africa.  He quotes Truman Project Fellow Ari Ratner. “There is widespread appreciation of the positive role that Qatar has played in the region,” said Ari Ratner, a former advisor on the Middle East at the State Department and now fellow [...]

When Senator Mike Lee took his turn to cross-examine defense-secretary nominee Chuck Hagel during last Thursday’s confirmation hearing, he expressed considerable concern for Israel’s security. “Let’s say those Palestinians who have engaged in acts of terrorism, perhaps in retaliation against Israel for Israel defending itself,” the Republican from Utah asked, ”do they have a legitimate gripe?” Hagel [...]

Truman Project and CNP Executive Director Mike Breen talks about a range of foreign policy issues, including Iran and Syria, with America’s Radio News Network hosts Lori Lundin and Mike Mortensen. Listen to the show here.