The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Why Russia Is Watching Iran Burn
English Summary
Russia is deepening its strategic alignment with Iran, formalizing a partnership aimed at resisting third-party interference. This growing axis is evidenced by the recent Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty and Russia's largely non-interventionist stance during the US/Israeli attacks on Iran. This calculated inaction suggests Moscow views the conflict as an opportunity to challenge Western norms and solidify a powerful anti-Western bloc. Policymakers should anticipate increased regional instability and a more coordinated challenge to global security structures emanating from the Middle East.
中文摘要
俄羅斯正深化與伊朗的戰略協同，正式建立一項旨在抵抗第三方干預的夥伴關係。這一不斷形成的軸心，體現在最近簽署的《全面戰略夥伴關係條約》以及俄羅斯在美國/以色列攻擊伊朗事件中所採取的基本上不干預的立場。這種經過計算的袖手旁觀表明，莫斯科將衝突視為挑戰西方規範、鞏固強大反西方陣營的機會。政策制定者應預期，來自中東地區的區域不穩定性將加劇，並且對全球安全結構的挑戰將更加協調化。
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