Policy
As More US Troops Head to Iraq, New Congressional Approval Isn’t Going Anywhere
Despite some legal experts' claims that the U.S. shouldn't fight ISIS on the authority to fight al-Qaida, the issue is a political hot potato in almost every corner of Washington.
Policy
No. 2 Democrat Launches Standoff over Defense Spending ‘Gimmick’
The GOP shot down Sen. Dick Durbin’s amendment, but look for its main idea to resurface when the spending bill hits the Senate floor.
Policy
On National Security Cred Tour, Jeb Shakes Fist at Putin
Bush is taking a different tack on his presidential rite of passage in Europe than his GOP rivals: he’s talking.
Policy
Senate Democrats Blast McConnell for Tying Cyber Measure to Defense Policy Bill
Legislation that has been long debated in the Senate is being jammed into the NDAA — and Democrats are furious.
Policy
In Today’s Congress, Everyone’s a National Security Hostage Taker
The fight over defense spending has echoes of the ‘unpatriotic’ rhetoric that shaped the Iraq War vote.
Policy
McConnell To Pair Cybersecurity Measure With Defense Bill
Privacy advocates still fear the information-sharing bill could lead to more NSA spying.
Policy
How China Is Building the Biggest Commercial-Military Empire in History
China’s outsized latticework of global infrastructure is said to be rooted in a fierce competitiveness learned from 19th-century America.
Policy
Obama on Iraq Troop Training: 'We Don’t Yet Have A Complete Strategy'
The president said in a press conference from the G-7 meeting Monday that the Pentagon is still waiting on 'commitments' from the Iraqi government.
Policy
Defense Secretary: Plan to Close Guantanamo Is A ‘Constructive Step’
Ash Carter says he’s working with the White House on a plan that will be submitted “per longstanding request” to Congress, calling it a “good opportunity” to see if they “can actually get it done.”
Policy
Democrats' Opposition to GOP Defense Bill Is Slowly Crumbling
Democratic leaders now say they're willing to allow 'yes' votes on a critical defense authorization bill next week, even if the measure includes a controversial war funding account.
Policy
White House, Ash Carter Drafting a Guantanamo Closure Plan for Congress, McCain Says
Sen. John McCain says Defense Secretary Ash Carter and White House counterterrorism official Lisa Monaco are working on a plan to close the prison, while he works for the Senate’s approval.
Policy
What the Pentagon Sees in India—And Vice Versa
Not that long ago, Washington and New Delhi were deeply suspicious of one another. Now, they're talking about collaborating on an aircraft carrier and weapons production.
Policy
Rick Perry Will Be Banking on His Military Service in 2016
The former Texas Governor will use it to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Policy
Expect Up to 10 Guantanamo Transfers Within Weeks
While the Senate debates freezing such transfers and keeping the prison open indefinitely, defense officials are laying plans to send inmates elsewhere.
Policy
3 Ways To Boost the US-Vietnam Security Relationship
After a successful visit by Defense Secretary Ash Carter, it's not a question whether the U.S. can improve its ties with Vietnam, but how to best do it.
Policy
The White House's Game Plan for Iraq: Run Out the Clock
The administration's messaging on its Iraq strategy has basically been: No ground troops—at least until 2016—so stop asking.
Policy
Senate Passes NSA Reform Bill
The USA Freedom Act, which will restore but reform the expired Patriot Act's spy authorities, earned final passage Tuesday and will be sent to the president.
Policy
House Appropriations Committee: Congress Must Consider Authorizing War Against ISIS
In a surprise move, the House panel that sets defense spending declared that lawmakers must debate whether to allow President Obama to use military force against the terrorist group.
Policy
Is Egypt Stable? Is That Even The Right Question?
Whether or not Egypt’s new political order will exist from 12 months to five years from now hinges more on the durability of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi than any any temporary calm.
Policy