Policy
Is the Special Relationship Between the US and Egypt Over?
Too much mistrust has built up between Washington and Cairo for the partnership to return to business as usual. By Bernard Gwertzman
Policy
Kerry Says the Fight Against the Islamic State Could Expand Beyond Iraq and Syria
Secretary of State John Kerry says Congress shouldn’t limit geography or ground combat in the war against the Islamic State. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
On the CIA Torture Report, Obama Can't Win
As the world braces for its long-awaited release, Obama is doing everything he can to avoid taking sides. By Lauren Fox and Dustin Volz
Policy
NSA's Mass Phone Spying Will Continue for at Least Another 90 Days
The NSA’s mass spying program earns another rubber stamp nearly a year after President Obama’s pledge to end it. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Former CIA Director Braces for 'Torture Report'
Anticipating a Tuesday release of a report from the Senate Intelligence Committee, Michael Hayden said it's is as if the agency 'has been tried and convicted in absentia.' By Allen McDuffee
Policy
John Kerry Is Trying to Stall the Release of the CIA Torture Report
The secretary of State is reportedly asking the Senate to wait to release its report on the Bush-era use of “enhanced interrogation” techniques. By Dustin Volz and Lauren Fox
Policy
House Lawmakers To Reintroduce Bill To Limit NSA 'Backdoor' Spying
The measure passed the House earlier this year with major bipartisan support, but was cut out of ongoing funding negotiations. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Hagel Says the Decision To Leave the Pentagon Was Mutual
But the outgoing defense secretary reveals little about why the White House forced him out. By Gordon Lubold
Policy
Rand Paul Wants To Tie Declaration of War Against ISIS To Defense Bill
Under Sen. Paul's largely symbolic bill, the U.S. would have 12 months to fight ISIS with limited ground troops. By Alex Brown
Policy
Will Sexual Assault Reform Derail the Defense Bill?
With time running short, Senate Armed Services leaders want to rush passage of the new defense bill without any amendments tacked on. By Jordain Carney and Alex Brown
Policy
Rand Paul Says War Should Be a ‘Last Resort’
The Republican senator and possible 2016 contender warns that ‘intervention has unintended consequences.’ By Shane Goldmacher
Policy
Lawmakers Warn Ash Carter’s Easy Confirmation Will Be Tough on Obama
To lawmakers, it’s not about Ash Carter as defense secretary. The pick is about the president. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Congress Has Less Than 10 Days To Make All of These National Security Decisions
From Iraq to the budget, Congress has a long way to go and a short time to get there. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Boehner Snubs Report, Pushes Forward on Benghazi
After the release of a recent GOP-led report vindicating the Obama administration, the House speaker wants to reappoint his own select inquiry into the 2012 terrorist attacks. By Russell Berman
Policy
Last-Minute Pitches for NSA Reform Fail To Gain Consensus
After a recent Senate defeat, the tech industry, privacy groups and reform-minded lawmakers are clamoring to salvage portions of the USA Patriot Act. By Brendan Sasso and Dustin Volz
Policy
Hagel: The Easiest Man To Throw Overboard
In Obama’s national security team, Chuch Hagel was always the likeliest sacrificial offering. By Steve LeVine
Policy
A Resurgent GOP Is Fuming Over Extending the Iran Nuclear Talks
The seven-month delay gives Iran and the U.S. more time to nail down terms on Iran’s nuclear program. It also gives Congress ample time to intervene. By Kaveh Waddell
Policy
What Rand Paul Gets By Declaring War Against ISIS
By declaring war against the Islamic State, he's also picking a legal battle with the White House. By Emma Roller
Policy
Who Will Be the Next Secretary of Defense?
Eyes are now on two Pentagon veterans and the current Air Force secretary, among others, as possible replacements for the outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. By Ben Watson
Policy