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.
Israel’s deadlocked election could force a new vote in 2027
English Summary
The 2026 Israeli election resulted in a minority government, significantly complicating the formation of a stable coalition. Key evidence shows the ruling coalition's majority was reduced, while Arab parties substantially increased their Knesset representation, making political alignment difficult. This instability is projected to lead to a new election in early 2027, a period when Israel faces severe international pressure, including potential US aid phaseouts and sanctions. The resulting political vacuum is particularly dangerous given the heightened regional tensions, including potential conflict with Iran and ongoing West Bank disputes.
中文摘要
2026年以色列選舉導致了少數政府的成立，極大地複雜化了穩定聯盟的組建。關鍵證據顯示，現執政聯盟的議會多數有所減少，而阿拉伯政黨則大幅增加了其在以色列議會（Knesset）的代表席位，使得政治協調變得極為困難。預計這種不穩定性將導致在2027年初舉行新一輪選舉，而此時以色列正面臨嚴重的國際壓力，包括美國援助可能逐步取消和實施制裁。鑑於區域緊張局勢的升級，包括與伊朗潛在的衝突以及持續的猶太人定居點爭議，由此產生的政治真空尤其具有危險性。
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