Policy

Joe Biden Declines to Enter 2016 Presidential Race

His announcement heralds the departure of one of Washington’s most experienced national security leaders.

Policy

The Perseverance of Kirsten Gillibrand

Whether confronting the military over sexual assault or her fellow New York senator on the Iran deal, the Democrat’s ambitions stretch beyond Hillary Clinton’s shadow.

Policy

Jim Webb Drops Out of 2016 Dem Race, Leaves Independent Bid Open

The Democratic presidential hopeful with far and away the most military experience is now out of his party’s race for the White House.

Business

‘I Don’t Know What The Debate Is,’ Army's Top Officer Says of Women

As Defense Secretary Carter orders senior military leaders to quiet down about women in combat decision deadline, Gen. Mark Milley had one more thing to say.

Policy

America’s Longest War Just Got Longer: Obama Extends Afghanistan Mission

Obama halts Afghanistan withdrawal with plans to keep 9,800 troops there through 2016.

Policy

Hillary Clinton Defends Hawkish Record in First Democratic Debate

But the expected “she voted for the Iraq War” line of attack didn't stick to the former secretary of state's superlative national security credentials.

Policy

As Syria Heats Up, Obama Defends Mideast Policy

In a confrontational interview on 60 Minutes, the president fired back at critics of his response to Russian moves in Syria.

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.

Ideas

Don't Chase Putin Out of Syria — Let Him Fail On His Own

Putin is no chess master. He overstretched and misstepped in Syria, and U.S. would be wiser to wait him out than chase him out.

Policy

Scalise Emerges as Defense Hawks' Pick for House No. 2

The majority whip backed their plan to evade spending limits by using the wartime contingency fund.

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.

Policy

U.S. Commander in Afghanistan: Now Is Not the Time to Leave

Gen. Campbell tells lawmakers he has sent the White House various options for keeping troops beyond 2016.

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.

Policy

The Real Audience for Obama’s U.N. Speech Was Republicans

Though he was speaking in an international forum, the president’s message actually seemed targeted at the 2016 GOP field.

Policy

Putin Makes the Case For Dictators With UN Speech

Obama and Putin both want to defeat ISIS. But their visions for how the world should look after its defeat don't match up.

Policy

Who Cares If Russia Helps Stabilize Syria

If Putin and Obama don't want a fight, Moscow and Washington should get over themselves and let this work.

Policy

Congress Plans To Keep Government Open

A short-term spending measure would keep the government running until early December.

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.

Policy

Can the U.S. Trust China to Stop Stealing Business Secrets?

Obama threatened sanctions, but proving responsibility for a cyberattack will be difficult.