There Is One Crucial Reason We’re Talking About Boots on the Ground

Produced by W.J. Hennigan

March 7, 2026

Illustration by Sam Whitney/The New York Times

The New York Times is dedicated to helping people understand the world through on-the-ground, expert and deeply reported independent journalism.

W.J. Hennigan is a New York Times Opinion correspondent covering the U.S. military and national security issues from Washington, D.C.

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