Policy

Dunford Didn’t Endorse Plan to Pull Troops from Afghanistan by 2017

The president’s plan for withdrawing from Afghanistan can’t escape comparisons to Iraq – even from his top commander. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Obama’s War Budget: ‘Slush Fund’ or the New Normal?

Lawmakers are balking at Obama’s $65.8 billion Overseas Contingency Operations request. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Here Are All the Ways Congress Is Trying to Fix the VA

The Veterans Affairs Department is, by many accounts, broken, and Congress has a lot of ideas to fix it. By Eric Katz

Threats

ISIL and the Lesser Evil of Bashar al-Assad

As ISIL tears through Iraq, Syria's Assad has strengthened his alliances with Baghdad, Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. Could the U.S. be next? By Dominic Tierney

Policy

House GOP Prepares Its Own Border Plan

All that's known so far is it will be cheaper than the president's $3.7 billion plan, and will include U.S. National Guard troops. By Billy House

Policy

Senate Defense Bill Doubles Obama’s Request for Israel’s Iron Dome

As rockets fly over Israel and Gaza, Congress is doubling its spending on Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

What Would Reagan Do In Iraq?

Rand Paul and Rick Perry each claim to be the Gipper’s heir in the Middle East. Who's right? By Peter Beinart

Policy

Rand Paul vs. Rick Perry: The GOP’s Battle for the Future of National Security

The bluster between Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Rand Paul is just smoke for the fire that is the GOP’s identity crisis. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Lawmakers Want Answers on the Effects of Iraq and Afghanistan's Burn Pits

Some veterans feel the health impacts of Iraq and Afghanistan burn pit exposure demand more study. Some lawmakers aren't giving up on the issue either. By Jordain Carney

Threats

Despite Pentagon Concerns, Obama Requests No New Military for Border Threat

White House agrees the root causes of the border crisis threaten national security, but says the mission is not the military’s. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Special Operations Commander Says Burden On Elite Troops Is Here to Stay

Obama’s nominee to command special operations troops said more should be done to help alleviate the stresses on families of more than 13 years of frontline combat. By Ben Watson

Threats

Hagel Declares ISIL Clear and 'Imminent Threat’ To U.S.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warns Americans – and skeptical lawmakers – that the extremists carving up Iraq and Syria threaten ‘every stabilized country on Earth.’ By Ben Watson

Policy

Gen. Abizaid-Led Panel Sounds Alarm on U.S. Drones

It's time Obama rethinks drones when a group like this criticizes the precedents and dangers of targeted killings. By Conor Friedersdorf

Policy

Hagel Backs General on U.S. Border Threats

Defense Secretary Hagel supports his top general’s concern that Central American destabilization is fueling the migrant children crisis at the U.S. border. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

The Navy Can't Afford Its Own Plan to Buy New Subs

The Navy just told Congress the cost to build subs and modernize the rest of its fleet is 'unsustainable.' By Global Security Newswire

Policy

Afghans Will Learn Who Their New President Is, Probably, In Two Weeks

Former finance minister Ashraf Ghani looks to be leading, but 30 million Afghans will have to wait at least two weeks to learn who succeeds President Hamid Karzai. By Ben Watson

Policy

$50 Billion Price Tag Holds Up Congressional VA Reform

A joint House and Senate conference committee has its work cut out for it trying to trim the costs associated with getting veterans more timely care. By Stacy Kaper

Policy

How Rand Paul Is Trying to Win Over the Right on Foreign Policy

The Kentucky Republican's policies toward Israel may not have changed much. But his rhetoric has. By Emma Roller

Policy

Japan's New 'Collective Self-Defense' Shakes Up Pacific

Just days after Pyongyang tested allegedly 'new' missiles, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet cleared the way for Japan to come to its allies' aid in the event of an attack. By Global Security Newsire

Threats

Obama Sends Another 300 U.S. Troops to Iraq

Increasingly worried about the unraveling security situation in Iraq, President Obama puts more boots on the ground. By Stephanie Gaskell