David Brown
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Articles by David Brown
Kuwait Accuses Iran of Territorial Infiltration
Kuwait reports an armed skirmish involving Iranian Revolutionary Guard members on a strategic island, highlighting rising regional tensions amid broader Gulf conflicts. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Kuwait on May 12 accused Iran of sending several members of its Revolutionary Guard to infiltrate a strategically important Kuwaiti island..
World Cup one-month countdown begins amid ticket and conflict fears
With the 2026 World Cup set to begin in June, fans face soaring ticket prices and political and conflict-related concerns cast a long shadow. The one-month countdown to the 2026 Fifa World Cup gets under way on Monday, with anticipation crashing into anxiety as soaring ticket prices, political tensions in Donald Trump’s America, and the war in Iran cast an early shadow over the football showpiece..
U.S. Suffers Double Setback as War With Iran Rages
President Trump on Wednesday before he addressed the nation on the Iran war. Alex Brandon/Press Pool The U.S. suffered a double setback Friday as Iranian forces hit two American military combat jets in a sign of the damage Tehran is still capable of inflicting after more than a month of conflict. The incidents raise questions as to how much of Iran’s military has been hobbled and whether punishing strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces will have a long-lasting effect.
Casualties and the Cost of War
Plus, the U.S. and Israel at odds over how long the war should last, and Ireland changes tack for St. Patrick’s Day Good morning. I’m Dave Brown, filling in for Damian Paletta. The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that roughly 140 U.S. troops have been wounded since Operation Epic Fury began more than a week ago. That’s a huge leap from the day before, when the official number was eight. But there’s a major difference.
On Iran, Trump Steers Toward an Off-Ramp
Plus, Trump is asking just about everyone who should be the rightful heir to the MAGA empire—Vance or Rubio? Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images Good morning. I’m Dave Brown, filling in for Damian Paletta.
SHAKESPEARE, RICHARD III AND TRUMP
Written around 1592, William Shakespeare’s play Richard III follows the reign of England’s infamous monarch and charts the path of a charismatic, cunning figure. As Shakespeare depicts the king’s reign from June 1483 to August 1485, Richard III’s kingdom was wrought with chaos, confusion and corruption that fuelled civil conflict in England.
Watch: Chinese warship sails dangerously close to U.S. destroyer in the Taiwan Strait Original
The U.S. has released video of a Chinese warship sailing dangerously close to a Navy destroyer in the Taiwan Strait on Saturday. The American warship, the USS Chung-Hoon, was conducting a “routine patrol” when the Chinese warship crossed in front of Chung-Hoon’s bow at 150 yards, according to a statement from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The Chinese ship, the Luyang III, was operating in an “unsafe manner,” the statement said.
Smith nominated to be the Marines' top officer
Gen. Eric Smith speaks with Marines from the 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 23, 2023, in Arlington, Va. | Alex Brandon/AP Photo The White House has nominated Gen. Eric Smith to be the Marine Corp’s top officer, according to a Senate notice. If confirmed, Smith would replace Gen. David Berger as commandant of the Marine Corps. Smith is currently the Marine Corps’ No. 2 officer.
How Andrew Jackson Lost an Election and Won the White House
Charges of stolen presidential elections are rare in American history. Only three candidates—Andrew Jackson, Richard Nixon, and Donald Trump—have been associated with such claims. In Nixon’s case, rumors of voting irregularities in the 1960 race against John F. Kennedy prompted many of his supporters—including president Eisenhower—to demand recounts in Texas and Illinois.
The Next 2 Weeks Could Determine the Fate of Ukraine Original
Over the past several weeks, Kofman has become a go-to source of fast-breaking analysis and a Twitter phenomenon — a former expert at the National Defense University, and currently the research program director in the Russia Studies Program for the Virginia-based think tank CNA, with an unusually granular understanding of Russian equipment and tactics. He has some cautions. One, it’s too soon to count Putin out.
The Next 2 Weeks Could Determine the Fate of Ukraine
March 24, 2022 Source: POLITICO Journalists David Brown, Paul McLeary
A chance to bolster reserve forces
By David Brown The proposal to merge the All-out Defense Mobilization Office and the Armed Forces Reserve Command into a single defense reserve mobilization agency (“New agency to oversee mobilization of reserves,” April 21, page 2) would represent an important step and an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan’s reserve system.
Can the KMT Reform - and Remain Relevant?
China Power | Politics | East Asia A new leader has brought new ideas, including on the sensitive question of cross-strait relations, but the old guard remains entrenched. Past and current KMT leaders pose together at the Party Congress on September 6, 2020. Credit: Facebook/Johnny C. Chiang In January this year, the Kuomintang (KMT) or Nationalist Party candidate Han Kuo-yu suffered a humiliating defeat in Taiwan’s presidential election. Han lost for a variety of reasons.
Nominee for Top DoD Personnel Job Withdraws After Op-Ed Surfaces
David Brown & Connor O'Brien & Daniel Lippman, Politico February 5, 2020 AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File The nominee for a top personnel job in the Pentagon has withdrawn, according to three sources close to the matter, the latest in a string of vacancy problems among high-ranking civilian officials at the Defense Department. J. David Patterson, a former defense official in the George W. Bush administration and currently a senior vice president at SMA Inc., was nominated on Jan.
Nominee for top Pentagon personnel job withdraws after op-ed surfaces
The Pentagon. | Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images The nominee for a top personnel job in the Pentagon has withdrawn, according to three sources close to the matter, the latest in a string of vacancy problems among high-ranking civilian officials at the Defense Department. J. David Patterson, a former defense official in the George W. Bush administration and currently a senior vice president at SMA Inc., was nominated on Jan. 9 to be the second highest personnel official in the Pentagon.
U.S. restarts operations against ISIS, Iraq says
With Jacqueline Feldscher, Connor O’Brien and Bryan Bender Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. — The fight against ISIS in Iraq is back after the U.S. hit pause early this month.
U.S. lawmakers warn Boris Johnson over Huawei move
With Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. — GOP lawmakers warn the U.K. that working with Huawei could bring consequences. — President Donald Trump unveils his plan for peace in the Middle East today.
One man’s quest to educate Trump on brain injuries
With Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. — Condemnation of President Donald Trump’s commentson brain injuries rolls in, but one man sees an opportunity to educate the president.
House Democrats have a new plan of attack on Trump’s war powers
With Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. — Democrats will try again to restrict President Donald Trump’s war powers next week, and they say they’ve learned from the last time. — Are U.S. troops coming home?
Trump is playing down brain injuries, and vets groups aren’t happy
With Jacqueline Feldscher and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. — Veterans groups are angry after President Donald Trump minimized the impact of brain injuries on troops.
Democrats warn Esper that diverting money toward the wall hurts readiness
With Connor O’Brien and Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. — House Democrats say President Donald Trump’s plan to divert money from Pentagon accounts toward the wall will harm readiness.
Braithwaite's nomination to be Navy secretary could be in trouble
Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. — The nominee to be Navy secretarydid not disclose a relationship with the former consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. — The administration is loosening export controls for firearms.
Anti-ISIS operations in Iraq are still paused, DoD says
With Connor O’Brien and Jacqueline Feldscher PROGRAMMING NOTE: Morning Defense will not be published on Monday, Jan. 20. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
U.S. restarts military operations against ISIS in Iraq
With Connor O’Brien, Jacqueline Feldscher and Bryan Bender PROGRAMMING NOTE: Morning Defense will not be published on Monday, Jan. 20. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Presidential candidates talk troop deployments, war powers
With Jacqueline Feldscher, Wesley Morgan and Connor O’Brien PROGRAMMING NOTE: Morning Defense will not be published on Monday, Jan. 20. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Trump plans to grab another $7B in Pentagon funds for the wall
With Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com.
Top officials struggle to explain Trump’s claim on embassy attacks
With Bryan Bender and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com.
House Democrats vote to put a leash on Trump’s war powers
With Connor O’Brien, Bryan Bender and Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — The House passes a non-binding resolution to rein in President Donald Trump’s war-making powers.
House to vote today on restricting Trump’s war powers
With Connor O’Brien, Wesley Morgan, Bryan Bender and Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com.
‘All is well!’ Trump tweets after Iranian missile attack
With Bryan Bender, Connor O’Brien and Wesley Morgan Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com.
Iran planning ‘historic nightmare’ for U.S.
With Connor O’Brien, Bryan Bender and Wesley Morgan Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — Iran is vowing revengefor the killing of a top general as the U.S. braces for attack.
Will U.S. troops be kicked out of Iraq?
With Bryan Bender, Wesley Morgan and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — Iraq’s parliament votes to kick out U.S. troops, and now President Donald Trump is threatening sanctions if they do.
Trump to sign defense spending bill, NDAA
With Connor O’Brien, Jacqueline Feldscher and Daniel Lippman Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — President Donald Trump today will sign defense spending and policy bills for fiscal 2020.
Senate votes on defense spending bill today
With Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — The Senate will vote today on the defense spending bill, sending it to President Donald Trump and averting a government shutdown on Friday.
Senate OKs NDAA, House passes defense spending bill
With Connor O’Brien, Wesley Morgan and Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — The Senate approves the defense policy bill while the House OKs spending for the Pentagon.
Space Force funding reduced, F-35s boosted in spending bill
With Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — The defense appropriations bill is out, and it reduces funding for the new Space Force while adding 20 F-35s to the Pentagon’s proposal.
Spending bill details coming this week
With Wesley Morgan and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — Lawmakers are expected to unveil topline numbers and other details early this week for the government’s 12 spending bills.
Lawmakers strike a deal to avoid a shutdown
With Jacqueline Feldscher, Connor O’Brien and Wesley Morgan Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — Negotiators have struck a deal to approve all of the government’s spending bills, avoiding a shutdown.
House passes NDAA, sends it to the Senate
With Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — The House overwhelmingly passes the defense policy bill. Now it’s the Senate’s turn.
House votes today on NDAA as progressives fume
With Connor O’Brien, Wesley Morgan and Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — House lawmakers will vote today on the defense policy bill.
NDAA vote likely this week
With Connor O’Brien and Bryan Bender Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — They’re getting close:Lawmakers aim to start voting on a compromise National Defense Authorization Act this week.
Pentagon eyes smaller troop buildup while muddling its message to Congress
With Wesley Morgan and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com.
Trump weighs sending more troops to the Middle East
With Wesley Morgan and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — President Donald Trump is considering sending another 14,000 troops to the Middle East.
How the wall is fouling up spending bill negotiations
With Connor O’Brien, Wesley Morgan and Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com.
At NATO, Trump walks into a testy family reunion
With Connor O’Brien, Bryan Bender and Wesley Morgan Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com.
China suspends U.S. military visits to Hong Kong after new law
With Bryan Bender and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — Beijing is reacting to a new U.S. law on human rightsby suspending U.S. military visits to Hong Kong.
Pentagon, Microsoft get cracking on JEDI cloud work despite lawsuits
With Jacqueline Feldscher, Wesley Morgan and Connor O’Brien PROGRAMMING NOTE: Morning Defense will not publish on Thursday, Nov. 28 or Friday, Nov. 29. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Monday, Dec. 2.
Spencer drama highlights White House rift with Pentagon
With Wesley Morgan, Bryan Bender and Connor O’Brien PROGRAMMING NOTE: Morning Defense will not publish on Thursday, Nov. 28 or Friday, Nov. 29. We'll be back on our normal schedule on Monday, Dec. 2.
Trump, Esper and Spencer offer different reasons for Navy chief’s ouster
With Wesley Morgan, Bryan Bender and Connor O’Brien Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — Everyone agrees that Richard Spencer is no longer the secretary of the Navy.
NDAA hung up over wall, Space Force
With Connor O’Brien, Wesley Morgan and Jacqueline Feldscher Editor's Note: This edition of Morning Defense is published weekdays at 10 a.m. POLITICO Pro Defense subscribers hold exclusive early access to the newsletter each morning at 5:30 a.m. Learn more about POLITICO Pro's comprehensive policy intelligence coverage, policy tools and services at politicopro.com. Story Continued Below — No compromise yet for the defense policy bill, but lawmakers still have one more day.
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