The Center for American Progress has released a report highlighting the need for a strategic overhaul in the US relationship with Pakistan. It points toward a policy which recognizes the linked challenges presented by Pakistan, Afghanistan and India; broadens the US relationship with Pakistan beyond military and intelligence coordination; and supports good governance and the forces of democracy within Pakistan.

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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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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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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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A new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concludes that Pakistan is “on the edge” and that the situation there is “very bleak.” The Pakistan NIE confirms that Al Qaeda has found a safe haven along the border with Afghanistan and says that the Pakistani government is too weak and divided to take effective action. This rebuffs the past approach advocated by President Bush and supported by Senator McCain. Led by Senator Biden, Progressives have put forth a comprehensive plan that seeks to address the terrorist threat, strengthen Pakistani democracy, and promote economic development.

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Senator McCain’s debate performance yesterday did little to reassure voters about his ability to manage a steady and responsible national security policy. Aside from his gaffe referring to General Petraeus as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, there were serious substantive problems with McCain’s approach.

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During last Friday’s Presidential debate, John McCain raised many doubts about his foreign policy aptitude. Not only did McCain commit factual gaffes, but he seemingly confused or shifted his position on Iran, as well as demonstrated a failure to understand the strategic implications of his reckless rhetoric.

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As the country’s focus has shifted to the economy, 140,000 American troops remain in Iraq and events there are not suspended. While violence has decreased dramatically in the past year and a half, Iraqi politicians have not taken advantage of the situation to come to the political compromises necessary to bring about stability.

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