Policy

Lawmakers Push US To Admit More Syrians as FBI Underscores ‘Risk’

The National Counterterrorism Center and FBI are concerned over holes in Syrian security screenings; 84 lawmakers are concerned over redundancies.

Policy

How Fear Slammed America’s Door on Syrian Refugees

As millions flee from war to uncertainty or death, ‘national security concerns’ have kept US arrivals to a trickle.

Policy

Defense Policy Bill Heads to Obama, Who Readies Veto Pen

The 2016 NDAA would give the Pentagon all the money the White House requested — but without resolving four-year-old budget caps.

Threats

Senate Moves Defense Policy Bill One Step Closer to Obama’s Veto Pen

But enough Democrats got on board to give Republicans the votes to override it in the Senate.

Threats

Defense Secretary Ash Carter: US Won't Be Clearing Syria’s Skies for Russia

As Russia launches its first strikes in Syria, defying recent agreements to deconflict with U.S. forces, the Pentagon is rejecting its call to stay out of the way.

Policy

Lawmakers' Defense Spending Agreement Ignores Obama on War Fund, Guantanamo

House and Senate members agreed to military personnel and acquisition reforms, yet set up a showdown over the offshore prison and wartime supplemental funding.

Ideas

Moscow’s Moves in Syria Exploit Limits of Obama's Containment Strategy

Washington wants to shape the conflict from afar, but Russia is now shaping the facts on the ground.

Policy

Obama Administration: Terror-War Authorizations Don't OK Defending US-Trained Syrians Against Assad

Instead, administration officials say, the Constitution gives the president the authority, in certain circumstances, to order action against Assad’s forces.

Threats

Pope Pushes U.S. To Do More To Confront Global Insecurity

From the refugee crisis to diplomacy to the arms industry, Pope Francis pointedly reminded the U.S. of its leading role, and culpability, in the international community.

Policy

McCain Vows One Continuing Resolution Only, Then It’s Budget Deal or Bust

The Armed Service Committee chairman compared his own majority leader’s strategy on defense spending to the administration’s in Iraq and Syria: nonexistent.

Policy

Is Joni Ernst the Next John McCain?

The freshman Iowa senator and Iraq vet is making her way into the GOP’s national-security leadership.

Threats

As Moscow Sends Fighter Jets Into Syria, US and Russian Defense Chiefs Open Talks

Four Russian Flankers have arrived at Moscow’s forward operating base in Syria, Pentagon confirms.

Threats

US Train-and-Equip Program, by the Numbers: 9 Fighting, 18 MIA, 1 Killed

Pentagon updates the tally just days after CENTCOM shocked senators by reporting that only ‘4 or 5’ Syrians remained in the fight.

Policy

Debate Shows GOP Candidates Remain Divided Over How To Use the Military—and When

On national security, the Republican field continues to offer as many plans filled with blanks as criticisms.

Threats

Only ‘4 or 5’ US-Trained Syrians Are Still in the Fight Against ISIS

It’s far from the 15,000 envisioned over three years, CENTCOM commander Gen. Austin conceded to lawmakers.

Policy

Politics Puts Iowa Arsenal Between a Rock Island and a Hard Place

The military’s largest weapons manufacturing arsenal is one of many facilities stymied by Washington’s budgetary inaction. But you won’t hear about it on the campaign trail.

Policy

Russia Is Setting Up A Forward Operating Base in Syria, Pentagon Confirms

Amid a tide of news reports and statements about Russian deployments to Syria, the Defense Department confirms a few details.

Threats

US and Russian Forces in Syria Aren’t Talking to Each Other

CENTCOM says it has “no military-to-military contact” with Russian forces sent to help the embattled Assad regime.

Policy

As Search for ‘Gitmo North’ Heats Up, Lawmakers Go Full NIMBY

Even members of Congress who support Obama’s drive to close the prison don’t want the detainees coming to their districts.

Policy

Clinton Vows A Tougher, More Active Foreign Policy

'I think we have not done enough’ on Syria, Russia, cybersecurity, and more, she says.