Policy
Senate Thinks It May Have the NSA Reform Bill Everyone Can Agree On
Uniting the White House, tech companies, and privacy groups has proven nearly impossible so far. Will the Senate's latest attempt this week be any different? By Dustin Volz
Policy
Senate Panel's 1 Percent Troop, Civilian Pay Raise Now Faces House Hurdles
A more modest pay raise for troops and defense civilians looks safe in the Democratic-controlled Senate. But how will it fare in the Republican-controlled House? By Kellie Lunney
Policy
House, Senate Committee Reaches Compromise to Reform the VA
Just days before the August recess, a conference committee reached a deal to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs with a breakthrough $17 billion bill. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Why Is Israel Losing a War It's Winning?
Five reasons why Israel is losing the battle of perception over its Gaza offensive, even as it wins the battle against rockets and tunnels. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Ideas
Guantanamo's New Purgatory
If the Periodic Review Boards are to ever meaningfully review Guantanamo detainees' detention, they must address these issues of delay, transparency, and legitimacy. By Zak Newman
Threats
What Would the National Guard Actually Do at the Border?
How troops deployed to America's border with Mexico might elude the usual characterizations of 'militarizing' a region. By James Oliphant and Rachel Roubein
Policy
Central American Leaders Push Obama, Congress for Security Assistance
Amid political paralysis over border security in Congress, the White House and DOD are forging ahead with Central American counterparts to address the crisis. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
How to Find Yourself on the Terror Watch List
The Obama administration's newly revealed guidelines for tracking individuals are a Kafkaesque mess built on hubris. By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy
Republicans Want to Mandate a Vote on the Iran Nuclear Deal
A group of senators said late Wednesday that sanctions would be automatically reimposed if the White House does not consult Congress. By Clara Ritger
Policy
How Long Will Congress Take to Solve the VA's Problems?
Lawmakers have serious reservations about the VA's $17.6 billion request to fix the overburdened system. By Jordain Carney
Policy
What Egypt Stands to Win From the Gaza Conflict
Egypt just might be the last best hope for a cease-fire in Gaza. By Keveh Waddell
Threats
ISIL Is Now a ‘Full Blown Army’ in Iraq
House lawmakers grilled State and Pentagon officials to find out why the Obama administration has failed to stop ISIL from carving up Iraq and Syria. By Ben Watson
Policy
A New VA Secretary Is Just One Step on a Long Road to Reform
Congress has little time before the August recess to pass a sweeping VA reform bill that will determine whether Robert McDonald succeeds where his predecessors have failed. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Rick Perry Orders National Guard Troops to Texas Border
Absent consent from Obama, Perry said his state can't wait any longer and will pay to deploy its Guard troops to America's southern border. By Katherine McIntire Peters
Threats
Ukraine Says Malaysia Airlines Crash Is No Different Than 9/11
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko drew the comparison Monday in an attempt to rally U.S. support against Russia. By Marina Koren
Policy
Kerry Makes the Case Against Russia Over Downed Plane
Everything short of troops on the ground was put on the table Sunday as Kerry blasted Moscow and the 'grotesque' behavior of Ukraine's pro-Russian separatists. By Matt Berman and Dustin Volz
Threats
Feinstein Says the U.S. Is at ‘Cold War Levels’ With Russia
U.S. lawmakers' sense of futility at a peaceful resolution in Ukraine is being eclipsed by historic levels of distrust toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. By Dustin Volz
Policy
McCain Calls for the 'Most Severe Sanctions' on Russia
Sen. John McCain said it's time the U.S. armed the Ukrainian military while also calling for a rapid escalation of sanctions against Russia. By Rachel Roubein
Policy
GOP Proposes More National Guard Troops for the Border Crisis
House GOP lawmakers claim their border plan is a 'major change' that will cost 'less than half' of the president's nearly $4 billion border response package. By Billy House and Rachel Roubein
Policy