January 9, 2024 6:30 am

The AWOL Defense Secretary

Loose lips may sink ships, but a spectacularly dysfunctional lack of communication at the top of the U.S. government is its own problem.

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin testifies before the House Armed Services Committee on the conclusion of military operations in Afghanistan on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., September 29, 2021.

Olivier Douliery/Pool via Reuters

Anyone following how weak and passive the U.S. has been in the face of provocations from our adversaries in the Middle East might conclude that the secretary of defense has gone missing.

And, at least for a few days last week, he literally was.

About the Author

Rich Lowry

Rich Lowry is the editor in chief of National Review.

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Anyone following how weak and passive the U.S. has been in the face of provocations from our adversaries in the Middle East might conclude that the secretary of defense has gone missing.

And, at least for a few days last week, he literally was.