Policy

7 Things You Need to Know About the Next Iraqi Prime Minister

A brief explainer on Haider al-Abidi, who was picked Monday to replace Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister of Iraq. By Kedar Pavgi

Threats

U.S. Air Strikes Are Having a Limited Effect on ISIL

After more than a dozen U.S. air strikes in northern Iraq, a top Pentagon official says ISIL is far from retreating. By Ben Watson

Threats

Navy Chief Says the Future of War Lies in 'Information Dominance'

Cyber threats and capabilities are the dominant considerations for a service entering a new era in naval warfare. By Bob Brewin

Ideas

The U.S. Needs More Drones

The threat from terrorism is changing in ways that make intelligence collection all the more important. By Paul Scharre

Policy

The 'It's About Oil' Theory in Iraq Is Still Inaccurate

The idea that the U.S. is only in the Middle East for oil may seem like a seductive idea -- but it's a deeply misguided one as well. By Steve LeVine

Threats

Obama OKs $10 Million for ‘Unforeseen Emergency’ in Africa

President Obama is sending France $10 million in military aid to bolster the fight against Islamic extremists in Mali, Niger and Chad. By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

What’s Next for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit?

Fewer and less intense wars in Africa present the U.S. with an opportunity to increase accountability for human rights violations and the rule of law. But is America up to the task? By Amelia M. Wolf

Defense Systems

For defense IT, virtual is more agile than physical

Data center consolidation, cloud computing and virtualization are driving the move toward a software-defined fighting force.

Defense Systems

Small device, big impact: Linking classified, unclassified nets at the edge

The CERDEC-developed cable connects radios with the Nett Warrior system, feeding soldiers’ locations into the shared operational picture.

Defense Systems

Air Force adds ship-based radar to missile-detection network

The Cobra King system will use dual state-of-the-art radars for ballistic missile treaty monitoring and verification.

Threats

U.S. Air Strikes Continue in Iraq

President Obama says the crisis in Iraq will ‘take some time’ to solve, as the military conducts nearly a dozen targeted military strikes against ISIL. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

U.S. 'Failure' in Syria Led to Iraq Crisis, Clinton Says

The former Secretary of State blames President Obama’s inaction in Syria for the rise of ISIL in Iraq. By Jeffery Goldberg

Threats

Why ISIL Is Worse Than Al-Qaeda

Is ISIL the new al-Qaeda or are they like the Taliban? Are they more like Hezbollah or Boko Haram? Or Hamas? All of the above, and much more. By Bobby Ghosh

Ideas

Water Wars in Iraq and Around the World

It is the common ingredient in life and in war: water—the need for it and the desire to control it. By Tara Sonenshine

Policy

Iraq Vets in Congress Support Air Strikes, But Are Wary of Another War

Iraq veterans in Congress largely support air strikes in Iraq, with an intimate understanding of the cost of U.S. military intervention. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

What Does Hamas Do Now?

In its war with Israel, the Palestinian group has accomplished none of its aims. By Hussein Ibish

Threats

Pentagon Says More Strikes Are Possible in Iraq

The Pentagon is prepared for more strikes against ISIL, possibly in Baghdad where the U.S. has many assets. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Congress Is Divided Over the Way Forward in Iraq

There’s support on the Hill for military strikes, but many say President Obama needs a long-term strategy in Iraq. By Clara Ritger

Threats

America's Moral Obligations in Iraq

‘An entire religion is being exterminated from the face of the earth,’ one Iraqi lawmaker warns. By Peter Beinart

Threats

U.S. Bombs Islamic Fighters in Northern Iraq

President Obama ordered the U.S. military to carry out targeted airstrikes against Islamic extremists who are rapidly advancing in the Kurdish capital of Irbil. By Stephanie Gaskell