Plan to Return Russian Diplomats to U.S. Poses Espionage Risk

The Trump administration is negotiating the return of more Russian diplomats to the United States. Some are likely to be spies.

State Dept. Plans to Close Diplomatic Missions and Fire Employees Overseas

American officials, including in the C.I.A., are concerned about mass closures hampering national security work. And China has overtaken the United States in global diplomatic footprint.

Trump Appointees Fire 2,000 U.S.A.I.D. Employees and Put Others Worldwide on Leave

The announcement, by email, came two days after a judge said the Trump administration could proceed with plans that amount to dismantling the aid agency.

Scores of Senior Diplomats Are Leaving Posts as Trump Takes Office

The departures are common when a transition takes place, but it is now happening more quickly and on a larger scale than under previous administrations, a U.S. official said.

U.S. Spy Chief Took on Role of Negotiator in Gaza War

As C.I.A. director, William J. Burns was deeply focused on China and Russia when the Middle East conflict plunged him back into his old life.