Yesterday the Iraqi cabinet approved a security agreement that stipulates that the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq should take place by the end of 2011. This reflects a growing consensus that it is time for American forces to redeploy.

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One of the unnoticed evolutions in Iraq policy over the past few months is that there is now a broad consensus both here and in Iraq that for the sake of American and Iraqi interests it is time for American forces to redeploy.

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We mark Veterans’ Day in order to honor the men and women who have served our country bravely and sacrifice so much. A new generation of service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq demands renewed commitment from us to keep society’s promise to them – healthcare and education, but also reintegration into a nation that values their sacrifices and uses them wisely

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Conventional wisdom views national security and foreign policy issues as conservative turf. But over the past few years, and especially in this presidential election, progressives have become more assertive in outlining their own vision of national security. Today progressives are speaking about national security with greater confidence than at any time in recent memory and have consistently demonstrated the inadequacy of the conservative world view.

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The Bush administration had no official comment concerning a clandestine attack by U.S. Special Operations forces into Syria. Senator Obama also refused to comment publicly on such a sensitive military operation. Yet the McCain campaign responded with a press release that argued that this operation would not have happened in an Obama administration and attacked Obama for advocating diplomatic engagement with Syria. McCain’s argument is not just reckless but incoherent.

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With only two weeks left until the election, John McCain had another difficult week on the national security front. From Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama, to the Iraqi government's undermining McCain's position on withdrawal of US forces, to the Al Qaeda web-video vote for the Republic nominee for President, the Maverick has had a rough couple of days.

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Twenty-five years ago today, a suicide bomber destroyed the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. The tragedy demonstrated a point brought home on 9/11/01 -- that terrorism is a national security challenge we ignore at our peril.

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In times of crisis it is essential that a leader have the temperament and judgment to guide America with a steady hand. Sen. McCain’s response in times of crises that has been erratic and reckless. During this campaign, McCain’s reaction to the global financial crisis and the outbreak of war between Russia and Georgia led many to question his judgment and his temperament. McCain’s erratic and hasty responses to past and present international crises raise real doubts about his ability to lead America through a crisis with a steady hand.

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Three new National Intelligence Estimates (NIEs) on Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq add up to a stunning indictment of conservative foreign policy. Each report, prepared as part of a comprehensive re-evaluation of current U.S. strategy, contains troubling findings for our national security.

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