Policy

How Hillary's Hawkishness Could Cost Her the Presidency

Clinton's support for the Iraq War backfired in 2008. Her support for the intervention in Libya could do the same in 2016.

Policy

Picking a Political Fight Over the Language of Terrorism

Instead of talking about the war on ISIS, the Obama administration is spending time tripping over words into a political trap it's opponents deftly have set.

Policy

Pentagon Press Secretary Kirby To Be Replaced by a Civilian

The familiar 2-star admiral will step down as Defense Secretary Ash Carter looks for a civilian mouthpiece.

Policy

Jeb Bush Is His Own Man -- And Most of His Competition -- on Foreign Policy

The U.S. “no longer inspires fear in our enemies” says Jeb Bush, painting Obama as indecisive, but saying little about what he’d do differently.

Policy

How America's History 'At War' Shapes the Battle Against ISIS

Considering America's history of declaring war, the Obama administration has taken a remarkable step forward by proposing a new authorization with a time limit.

Policy

Bob Corker’s War

How a soft-spoken southern senator who built shopping centers became one of the most important figures in the war against the Islamic State.

Policy

Why Obama Won't Talk About Islamic Terrorism

The refusal to acknowledge the aims of Islamic terrorism is central to the Obama administration’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Policy

The Debate About ISIS War Powers Means Trouble for Rand Paul

The Republican senator is national security outlier in his party, and that could come back to haunt him in 2016.​

Policy

McConnell: 'Up to House' To Fund Homeland Security

Only 16 days remain before funding for the department expires, and Congress remains more gridlocked than ever on the issue.

Policy

What Would the Obama of 2007 Say About His War Powers Request?

Eight years ago, President Obama campaigned on a pledge to limit the use of military force. He now finds himself asking Congress for the authority to wage war.

Policy

Obama’s ISIS War Powers Request Has Few Limits on Who, Where, How

President Obama’s requested authorization for the use of force against ISIS has few limits on how, where, and whom the fight is against.

Policy

Ash Carter Sails Through Senate Armed Services Committee

The Senate Armed Services Committee voted unanimously to send on Ash Carter’s nomination for a full vote. Lawmakers want him in the Pentagon by week’s end.

Policy

Germany Can Stop 'Assuming the Worst' About NSA Spying, Obama Says

The president defended the NSA's intelligence gathering methods even as he expressed impatience with U.S. allies' skepticism of his administration's concern for the civil liberties of foreigners.

Policy

Obama’s War Powers Request Expected to Spark New Debate This Week

New war powers for the Islamic State fight are expected any day now. They will unleash the first real debate on war in more than a decade.

Policy

Defense Cuts Threaten To Split the GOP

Republicans have little room for error in their bid to pass a budget, and sequestration is forcing a rethink of conventional priorities.

Policy

Air Force General's Treason Comments Spark Investigation

The Air Force is now investigating a general who reportedly accused Air Force pilots of committing treason for sharing successes of the A-10 aircraft with lawmakers.

Policy

Obama's New National Security Strategy Could Force Clinton to Take a Hard Line

Critics are attacking Obama's new national security strategy as weak and unfocused -- leaving Democrats on the defensive.

Policy

Democrats Hit GOP Over National Security in Homeland Funding Bill Fight

Citing Paris, ISIS and even 9/11, Democrats try to gain some leverage over the GOP in a fight that leaves the Homeland Security Department's future in limbo.

Policy

Republicans Go Easy on Ash Carter, Keep Focus on White House

Instead of attacking Obama’s national security strategy, lawmakers mostly held off, deciding Ash Carter will have little impact on policy.

Policy

Carter Survives To Fight Another Day

The Defense Secretary nominee plays it safe amid mostly gentle questioning.