Policy
NSA Reform Will Likely Wait Until After the Election
It looks increasingly like legislation to reform the government’s surveillance programs might not get touched at all until next year. By Dustin Volz
Policy
What to Expect from Congress This Fall
From the Islamic State to immigration, lawmakers face a long list of problems demanding solid solutions. Here's why you shouldn't hold your breath. By Norm Ornstein
Policy
Don’t Expect a Pivot To Europe Anytime Soon
Once again, President Obama finds himself reassuring allies while also imploring them to do more. Is NATO listening? By Molly O’Toole
Policy
This Graph Shows How NATO’s Military Capability Has Evolved Since 1949
Three takeaways from the annual spending trends of each alliance member over NATO's 65-year history in 2011 U.S. dollars. By Janine Davidson
Ideas
Where Is the Industrial Agenda for the NATO Summit?
Defense leaders have much to discuss at the NATO Summit; it’s time they included the industries that support them. By Hugo Rosemont
Policy
House Republicans Seek Their Own Strategy Against the Islamic State
Multiple GOP-led House committees will hold hearings next week aimed at drafting a plan to defeat the Islamic State group. By Daniel Newhauser
Science & Tech
What Made Obama's Spy Chief Suddenly Support NSA Reform?
In a remarkable shift, James Clapper has come out in support of legislation that would effectively end the bulk collection of U.S. citizens' phone records. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Democrats Break Ranks to Urge Military Assistance to Ukraine, Talks With Putin
Obama is off to the NATO summit amid increasing calls from his party for more direct action in Ukraine. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
The Summer of Obama's Caution and America's Discontent
Americans don't seem to like a hawkish president, but they definitely don't like a weak one, either. By Ron Fournier
Policy
Obama to Push NATO's Renewed Purpose
There's been lots of bluster about Putin's destabilizing work in eastern Ukraine. But will the alliance really stand up in the name of Baltic security? By George E. Condon, Jr.
Threats
Why Russia Loves a 'Frozen Conflict'
What's happening in Ukraine has happened before in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The rest of the world just wasn't paying attention. By Brian Whitmore
Policy
Behind Obama's Hesitation on Syria
Obama's caution reflects both the lawyer that he is and a deliberate turn away from his predecessor, who often neglected to weigh all the consequences of his decisions. By George F. Condon, Jr.
Threats
Is There a Plan to Attack in Syria or Not?
White House and Pentagon spokesmen spent Friday explaining that the president and the Joint Chiefs have some plans to strike in Syria, but there is no plan. By Kevin Baron
Policy
Why Sen. Feinstein Wants the CIA Torture Report Delayed
Hint: it has do with the agency's beloved black highlighter. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Government Shutdown Whispers Begin Again
The same Republican faction that brought last year's furloughs and closings may be ready to have at it again. By Molly Ball
Policy
Republicans Recycle ‘Containment’ Line for Obama’s Iraq Strategy
Republicans once again hit Obama for ‘containment’ – painting the president as weak for not doing more to attack the Islamic State. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
It’s Time to Sink the Littoral Combat Ship
Things that seem too good to be true usually are, and so it is with the LCS. By Jacob Marx and William D. Hartung
Policy
Obama, Iraq and the Coming War Powers Fight With Congress
To keep the U.S. fighting in Iraq, President Obama is quietly reconsidering the very Bush-era authorities he condemned. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
How Snowden Complicates the Prevention of Future Leaks
Whether one believes Snowden's leaks to be salutary or deeply regrettable, it's useful to understand what prompted him to act as he did. By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy