Policy

Trump is Wrong, ISIS Doesn't Want Rome

Trump's claim that Rome is 'ISIS’s ultimate trophy' deserves correction, just in case he thinks it’s true.

Policy

There's a Reason Ted Cruz Won't Say How Much His Pentagon Plans Will Cost

More soldiers, ships, subs, planes, drone pilots—in short, the fiscal conservative wants to spend en enormous amount of money.

Policy

Donald Trump's Big Lie on the Iraq War

Trump’s opposition to the invasion is an important part of his claim to sound judgment. And he is making it up. I would know.

Ideas

Dispatch from the Turkish Border: Syrians Waiting in Vain for the World

‘People are waiting for the international community to stop this war.’

Ideas

Congress Must Stop the Decline of Our Military Readiness

Here's what President Obama's final defense spending request should have included.

Policy

The Coming Dogfight Between the F-35 and the New Bomber

A battle is brewing between the two multibillion-dollar aircraft programs — and the defense companies, lobbyists, and Pentagon offices that back them.

Policy

Rubio Proves Obama's Point About Islam and Intolerance in the US

Sen. Marco Rubio accused the president of 'pitting people against each other' in Obama's visit to a mosque this week.

Policy

Obama Confronts the Politics of Religion and Terrorism

The president preached inclusion and hit back at anti-Muslim rhetoric during his first appearance at a mosque.

Policy

Rand Paul the Dove Never Stood a Chance Among the Hawks

I planned to write a different story about the libertarian anti-neocon. Instead, I found this.

Policy

Spy on Me All You Like, More Americans Say

A new poll shows more people are fine with increased national-security surveillance.

Policy

The 3 Worst National Security Ideas Out of the Iowa Debate

A closer look at the candidates’ remarks on foreign policy reveal plenty of bumper-sticker slogans, but few serious proposals that could actually help keep the country safe.

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.