Policy
New Lawmakers Agonize Over Their First War Vote
For newer members of Congress, a vote to authorize training Syrian rebels will be their first time weighing military action. By Billy House
Policy
Dempsey Says US Ground Forces Possible If Coalition Strategy Fails
Top military advisors give the president their best advice based on the situation on the ground. That may mean ‘no boots on the ground’ complicates things. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
NSA Chief: Yes, We Still Have Friends
A confident Adm. Rogers says the NSA remains popular with the people it spied on. By Patrick Tucker
Policy
House Vote on Syria Expected Wednesday
Lawmakers in the House say they'll vote on authorization to train Syrian rebels along with a spending bill and 2 separate amendments just in time for pre-election recess. By Billy House
Policy
Obama’s Dramatic Reversal on Bush’s Laws of War
Obama has launched an indefinite campaign against the Islamic State relying on Bush-era laws he pledged to end. Legal analysts aren’t buying it. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Congress Has 4 Days To Act on Obama's Syria Plan
Congress has plenty to tackle in its last week before recess, including whether or not to include language in its spending bill that would authorize the training of Syrian rebels. By Michael Catalini and Billy House
Policy
America's Stake in the Scottish Referendum
Why a vote for independence would harm U.S. interests. By David Frum
Policy
Obama’s Deadline To Reform NSA’s Spying Powers Is Extended Again
Nine months after the president promised to rein in the NSA’s spying powers, the business of reform is delayed for 90 days -- again. By Dustin Volz
Policy
House Republicans Find Obama's Plans in Syria 'Unrealistic'
Seeking more details on Obama's plans for Syria, House Speaker John Boehner said, 'Somebody's boots will have to be on the ground.' By Daniel Newhauser and Billy House
Policy
GOP Tries To Turn Obama's Foreign Policy Into a November Opportunity
Russian aggression and the Islamic State are replacing healthcare and the economy as Republican election bait for this year's midterms. By Emily Schultheis
Policy
Islamic State Unites Congress, But Lawmakers Diverge on the Way Forward
The Islamic State may have provoked rare unity in a dysfunctional Congress -- but lawmakers’ support for Obama’s strategy comes with crucial caveats. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Dick Cheney Calls Obama's National Security View 'Willfully Blind'
While the former vice president is as hawkish as ever, the Republican consensus is not nearly as unified as it once was. By Emma Roller
Policy
How the US Should Plan Around Thailand's Ongoing Coup
The latest military coup in Thailand may last a few dozen more months. Here's what the U.S. military can do to make the most of the uncertain situation. By Joshua Kurlantzick
Policy
House Republicans Unveil Plan To Keep the Government Open
The fine print offers good news for the Pentagon and State Department and ongoing VA oversight, as well as efforts to curb the Ebola outbreak. By Billy House
Policy
Congressional Leaders Stand Back To Let Obama Strike Islamic State
The White House made clear the president won't go to Capitol Hill for approval to broaden his campaign against ISIL. And for now, no one is dissenting. By Daniel Newhauser
Policy
Senate Finds Plenty to Criticize About the 'Militarization' of US Police
After raising concerns about its transparency and questionable spending, senators said Tuesday the Pentagon's so-called '1033' program has to be reined in. By Emma Roller
Policy
Ignoring Obama's Most Important Achievement in the Middle East
The president is successful at hunting terrorists and denying the Islamic State access to vast storehouses of deadly chemical weapons. So why doesn't he get credit? By Jeffrey Goldberg
Ideas
What Obama Needs To Tell the American People About the Islamic State
While limited air strikes in Iraq have slowed the progress of the Islamic State, it’s clear that more must be done. By Rep. Martha Roby
Policy
Islamic State Dominates the Post-Recess Conversation in Congress
Congress is unlikely to vote on authorization for broad war powers in Iraq and Syria ahead of the midterms, but the deepening debate could shape U.S. policy for years to come. By Molly O’Toole
Policy