Policy

The Republican Conflation of ISIS and Immigration

Politically, this serves a purpose. But as public policy, it makes little sense.

Policy

What Happened When Ash Carter Crashed Davos

The defense secretary's legacy may have been forged in the Alps, connecting economic elites to the Pentagon — and the war on terrorism.

Policy

When It Comes to Iran, Bernie Sanders Is Less Naive Than You Might Think

In his call to end America’s cold war with Iran, Sanders is challenging the bipartisan foreign-policy consensus in the same way Obama did in 2008.

Policy

The Obama Doctrine Has No Heir in Hillary Clinton

As Clinton puts more distance between her foreign policy and President Obama’s, his national security legacy may prove short-lived.

Policy

The GOP's Iran Frustration Signals a Lack of Options in Months Ahead

Republicans are irate over the Obama administration’s handling of Iran—and there’s little they can do to stop it.

Policy

Senate Leader Surprises Lawmakers with New ISIS War Powers Request

Neither Republicans nor Democrats knew the majority leader planned to set up a debate on authorizing the use of force against the Islamic State.

Policy

US to Convene 27-Nation Meeting on ISIS

It's a true working ministerial meeting as the U.S. defense secretary and other countries' top defense officials get caught up and look ahead.

Policy

US Touts Diplomacy, Hits Iran with New Sanctions

Despite the high-profile diplomatic moves, the president said 'profound differences' continue to separate Washington and Tehran.

Policy

GOP Candidates Try to Scare the Hell Out of America

In Thursday's debate, candidates exploited the nation’s anxieties over national security and Obama.

Policy

Pentagon Sends Obama Plan to Close Guantanamo, Move Detainees to US

Hours after 10 percent of the remaining detainees leave Cuba, the defense secretary said he’s handed the president a plan for “Gitmo North.”

Policy

After Guantanamo, Two Detainees Try To Put Their Lives Back Together in Ghana

Here’s how the Yemeni men are being treated and what they say about their long incarceration.

Policy

VA's New Paperless Claim System Has Nearly Doubled in Costs

The agency’s deputy IG told lawmakers the billion-dollar (and counting) system may not be worth the money.

Policy

In Final State of the Union, Obama Fights the Fear that Threatens His Legacy

'I know this is a dangerous time. But that’s not because of diminished American strength or some looming superpower,' the president assured the nation Tuesday.

Policy

Annotated: President Obama’s 2016 State of the Union Address

A complete transcript of the president's speech from Tuesday night—with an eye on what lies ahead in U.S. national security. Click the yellow highlights for notes, thoughts, charts and links.

Policy

Obama Prepares a 'Non­tra­di­tion­al' State of the Union Address

The chamber will push a pair of foreign policy bills as President Obama delivers his State of the Union address and Republicans prepare for their retreat.

Policy

Pentagon Transfers Two Guantanamo Detainees to Ghana

The move, the first of 17 in coming days, shrinks the total population to 105.

Policy

Swooning for Saudi Arabia

What the Middle East needs is not intensified conflict, as some 2016 contenders advocate, but a series of political compromises to help end the civil wars traumatizing the region.

Policy

Sudan Cuts Ties with Iran, Widening Middle East's Sunni-Shi'a Divide

The diplomatic fallout from Riyadh's execution of a Shiite cleric is prompting fears of a region-wide sectarian conflict.

Policy

Opposing Political Views Emerge in Face of Real, Imagined Threats

In the U.S. and Europe, two factions duel on immigration, Muslims, and nation-building.

Policy

How a Misleading Story Is Changing Immigration Policy

Erroneous claims that one of the San Bernardino shooters made public social-media posts about jihad have produced legislation to overhaul the process of screening visas.