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
The Risks and Rewards of Obama's 'No Ground Troops' Pledge
If the president's motive is politics, both hawks and doves have reason to be worried. By Ron Fournier
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