The Structure and Organization of the Syrian Opposition
Issue Brief
The Syrian opposition is fragmented, and understanding these divisions is crucial for the Obama administration's efforts to shape its policy toward Syria and support a foundation for a cohesive future Syrian government.
An All-or-Nothing Approach to Syria’s Civil War Fails to Recognize the Conflict’s Complexity
Deciding the shape of U.S. policy in Syria should not boil down to a choice between large-scale military intervention and doing nothing.
The Pentagon Must Carry Its Weight
In its fiscal year 2014 defense budget request, the Obama administration holds the baseline defense budget steady at near historic highs.
Veterans Seeking Mental Health Care for Sexual Assault Face Unacceptable Hurdles
Ending the Department of Veterans Affairs backlog and passing the Ruth Moore Act of 2013 would allow veterans who have experienced military sexual assault to access the mental health care they need.
Acknowledging Our Mistakes in Iraq Would Prevent Us from Repeating Them
We need to realize the errors of our ways from the Iraq invasion instead of brushing the topic under a rug, or else we may just find ourselves in the very same position a few years down the road.
Sequestration Is ‘Not a Game’
Outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta foresees dire national security consequences if automatic across-the-board budget cuts take effect next week.
How the Defense of Marriage Act Is Harming One Military Couple
Video
Because of the Defense of Marriage Act, same-sex military spouses are not eligible for nearly 100 spousal benefits freely available to other military spouses. This inequality harms our military families and weakens our entire force.
Collateral Damage
Report
By preventing the military from recognizing the legal marriages of same-sex military couples, the Defense of Marriage Act contradicts numerous military initiatives.
President Obama’s Commitment to Veterans Must Remain a Second-Term Priority
Taking care of our veterans and military families, particularly those who have carried the burdens of a decade of war, is a moral imperative.
Checklist of Benefits Secretary Panetta Can and Should Extend to Same-Sex Military Spouses
While the anticipated Pentagon announcement that it will extend some benefits to same-sex military spouses is progress, anything less than complete access to these benefits leaves the mission unaccomplished.
3 Ways to Improve the Family and Medical Leave Act to Better Serve Military Families
Covering same-sex spouses, recognizing the unique challenges of military families, and fully enforcing the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act is key to protecting service members and their families.
Infographic: Brass Ceiling Begins to Shatter
Opening combat positions to women offers long-overdue recognition of their service and ensures that servicewomen will be able to compete alongside their male counterparts for top military leadership positions.
Women and Warfare: Denying Combat Recognition Creates ‘Brass Ceiling’
U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that women can no longer be shielded from enemy fire, but the military still denies them due recognition for their service.
$100 Billion in Politically Feasible Defense Cuts for a Budget Deal
Issue Brief
If carried out correctly, a well-managed defense drawdown can return the Pentagon’s budget to more sustainable levels without harming our national security or our economic recovery.
Honoring Our Veterans in 2012
A statistical picture of our service members and the challenges they face.
