Missy Ryan

Washington, D.C.

Reporter covering diplomacy and national security

Education: Georgetown University, BA in English; Harvard University, master's in public policy

Missy Ryan writes about diplomacy, national security and the State Department for The Washington Post. She joined The Post in 2014 to write about the Pentagon and military issues. She has reported from Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico, Peru, Argentina and Chile.
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Latest from Missy Ryan

As Houthis vow to fight on, U.S. prepares for sustained campaign

U.S. officials say they don’t expect operations in Yemen to last years, but they acknowledge it’s unclear when the Houthis’ military capability will be eroded.

January 20, 2024

How Lloyd Austin’s medical mystery ignited a firestorm

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s secretive hospitalization unleashed an uproar, causing a distraction for President Biden as he intensifies his reelection bid

January 17, 2024

U.S. faces growing challenge in bid to contain Middle East violence

Tit-for-tat incidents, including new U.S. strikes in Yemen and Iranian strikes in Iraq and Syria, tested Washington’s attempt to limit regional instability.

January 16, 2024

The U.S., Yemen and the risk of regional escalation

After the Biden administration launched airstrikes against Houthi fighters in Yemen, the group attacked a U.S. cargo carrier. U.S. officials say that their operations are limited and that they do not want to be drawn into a larger conflict, but is that possible?

January 16, 2024

U.S.-led coalition strikes Iran-aligned Houthi militants in Yemen

The strike in Yemen follows a surge in Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea that have wreaked havoc on the global economy.

January 12, 2024

Austin treated for prostate cancer before emergency, Pentagon reveals

In another surprising disclosure, the White House said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin withheld his prostate cancer diagnosis from President Biden for weeks.

January 9, 2024

Austin leaves intensive care amid growing scrutiny of Pentagon secrecy

The lack of transparency surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization has led Democrats and Republicans to intensify calls for accountability.

January 8, 2024

Biden retains confidence in Austin despite hospitalization secrecy

The Pentagon chief’s silence about his hospitalization has elicited surprise and frustration across the Biden administration and among members of Congress.

January 7, 2024

Pentagon chief takes responsibility for keeping hospitalization secret

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized on Jan. 1, but the Pentagon did not disclose it for five days.

January 6, 2024

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since Jan. 1

The Pentagon disclosed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s days-long hospitalization late Friday, saying he was recovering and had resumed his duties.

January 6, 2024