The politics of national defense

Does Congress sniff around too much in the military's business? What to make of Adm. Fallon — a heroic voice of dissent in a war-mongering administration, or an errant officer who couldn't keep his own views to himself? All week, Iraq war veteran Phillip Carter and former Assistant Defense Secretary Lawrence J. Korb discuss instances in which politics and national defense collide.

March 21, 2008

DUST-UP

Fighting governments and guerrillas

Today, Carter and Korb close their Dust-Up with a discussion on the kinds of conflicts the U.S. military can expect to fight in the future. Previously, they discussed congressional oversight of the armed forces, Adm. William J. Fallon's public disagreement with the administration, the use of evidence gleaned from torture and the Air Force tanker contract.

March 20, 2008

DUST-UP

Buying American

Today, Carter and Korb debate whether Congress should safeguard U.S. manufacturing by ensuring military contracts go to domestic firms, or leave it up to the military. Earlier this week, they discussed the legality of evidence gleaned from torture, asked to what extent Congress should intervene in military affairs, and wondered whether Adm. William J. Fallon was right to disagree publicly with his civilian commander. On Friday, they'll conclude their Dust-Up by discussing how the military should prepare itself for future war and conflict.

March 19, 2008

DUST-UP

Torture in the court

Today, Carter and Korb address the legal questions surrounding the use of torture against Guantanamo detainees. Previously, they discussed the extent to which Congress should intervene in military matters and evaluated the actions of Adm. William J. Fallon and other officers who publicly disagreed with their civilian commanders. Tomorrow and Friday, they'll discuss the Air Force tanker contract and the kind of wars for which the military should prepare itself.

March 18, 2008

DUST-UP

Free speech for officers?

Today, Korb and Carter discuss instances in which military officers have publicly disagreed with the president's policies. Previously, they discussed the proper military oversight role for Congress. Later in the week, they'll discuss the Air Force tanker contract, torture policies and more.

March 17, 2008

DUST-UP

The politics of defense

Today, Carter and Korb begin their Dust-Up with a discussion on the extent to which Congress should intervene in military matters. Later in the week, they'll discuss the Air Force tanker contract, torture policies and more.