A scathing critique published in The Atlantic has attacked the Trump administration’s proposed counter-terrorism strategy for 2026, with national security expert Tom Nichols describing it as superficial, politically motivated, and riddled with errors. The assessment comes as Trump is currently visiting China, adding to questions about the administration’s approach to global security challenges during a period of heightened tensions with Iran.

Nichols, a respected voice on defence policy, has raised concerns that the strategy lacks the depth and rigour required to address contemporary security threats. The expert’s commentary suggests that the framework fails to account for the complexities of modern counter-terrorism operations and may be shaped more by political considerations than strategic necessity.

The timing of the criticism underscores broader debates about the administration’s foreign policy priorities. With Iranian tensions simmering and the US engaged in diplomatic and strategic manoeuvres across Asia, observers argue that America’s counter-terrorism doctrine requires careful, evidence-based planning rather than what Nichols characterises as amateurish policymaking. The counter-terrorism strategy is viewed as a crucial document that should guide military and intelligence operations globally for the coming year.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.