Threats
The Rise of Militarized NGOs
Governments disguising soldiers as civilians and recruiting civilian insurgents are old practices. But in the 21st century, they've acquired unprecedented potential as tools of war. By Moisés Naím
Ideas
Intimidation, Cronyism, Repression: The Unfortunate Legacy of Iraq's Nouri al-Maliki
Maliki’s personal history shaped his winner-take-all view of Iraqi politics. Years of bloody civil war followed immediately by the Arab Spring have only made matters worse. By Mohamad Bazzi
Policy
The GOP Thinks Obama Learned His Lesson On Benghazi
After Benghazi, Republicans are happy to see the president beef up embassy security in Iraq. By Sarah Mimms
Threats
This Is Why Many of Iraq's Forces Dropped Their Weapons
Inside the rapid disintegration of a security force the U.S. spent more than $25 billion to build. By James Kitfield
Ideas
The Difficult and Probably Only Answer to Iraq and Syria's Problems
Former State and Defense Department official Leslie Gelb sees a way to counter the ISIL wedge that's prying Iraq and the region apart at its seams. It's not easy, but it just might be the most realistic way forward. Interview by Bernard Gwertzman
Defense Systems
Marine vehicles could soon have anti-drone laser guns
The Office of Naval Research is leading a program to develop a laser system small enough for a Humvee.
Ideas
The New Map of the Middle East
Seven years ago, I wrote it was time to redraw the post-World War I borders of the Middle East. ISIS is right, that map that has no future. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Ideas
What the U.S. Could Do to Keep Putin Out of Ukraine
Former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski's shares his recent take on the best U.S. and NATO options amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis. By Janine Davidson
Threats
Chaos in Iraq's Oil Fields Is Shifting the World's Attention Back to Saudi Arabia
Gains made by marauding extremists in Iraq's north are already shaking up the global energy market. Here's what it could mean for Saudi Arabia's importance to the world. By Steve LeVine
Business
Robert Gates on How to Survive–and Thrive–Despite Bureaucracy
Lessons from former Defense Secretary Gates on being part of the solution despite the problems inherent in enormous organizations. By Mark A. Abramson and Paul R. Lawrence
Science & Tech
The Government Probably Has More Photos of You Than of ISIL's Leader
The U.S. government probably has more biometric information on you than one of the most infamous terrorist masterminds alive. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
Obama Outlines Limited Military Help for Iraq
President Obama is sending more U.S. troops to Iraq to fight back ISIL – but that’s just a Band-Aid to the country’s larger problems. By Molly O’Toole and Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
The Air Force Is Losing Patience With Its Aging Bomber Fleet
A top U.S. Air Force official is pushing to modernize America's nuclear bombers--some of which have been in the air for more than 50 years. By Global Security Newswire
Ideas
What Bosnia Can Tell Us About Iraq
Like in the Balkans, the U.S. should get Iraq’s warring sides to the table at all costs. By Nick Dowling
Ideas
Why the Persian Gulf Isn’t Ready for Joint Security
Stop pretending, U.S. partners in the Persian Gulf don’t trust each other or agree on Iran. By Bilal Y. Saab
Threats
Can Iraq Survive the ISIL?
Go inside the conflict in this interview with the Brookings Institution Doha Center's F. Gregory Gause III. Interview by Mohammed Aly Sergie.
Policy
Obama's Watch-and-Wait Iraq Approach Is Working With Congressional Leaders
The president said he won't need Senate and House authority to act on the Iraq crisis, a pill that's easier for Congressional leaders to swallow provided Obama keeps them informed along the way. By Elahe Izadi
Business
Now It's Official: Furloughs Frustrate Defense Department Personnel
Differences implementing the cost saving measure across the services led to grumbling about morale and problems with retention inside the department. And don't expect it to end soon. By Amelia Gruber
Threats
Does North Korea Actually Have a Cruise Missile?
A recent warning from U.S. Air Force officials about Pyongyang's missile capabilities may have materialized faster than at first thought. By Rachel Oswald
Business