Policy

Obama’s Deadline To Reform NSA’s Spying Powers Is Extended Again

Nine months after the president promised to rein in the NSA’s spying powers, the business of reform is delayed for 90 days -- again. By Dustin Volz

Policy

House Republicans Find Obama's Plans in Syria 'Unrealistic'

Seeking more details on Obama's plans for Syria, House Speaker John Boehner said, 'Somebody's boots will have to be on the ground.' By Daniel Newhauser and Billy House

Policy

GOP Tries To Turn Obama's Foreign Policy Into a November Opportunity

Russian aggression and the Islamic State are replacing healthcare and the economy as Republican election bait for this year's midterms. By Emily Schultheis

Policy

Islamic State Unites Congress, But Lawmakers Diverge on the Way Forward

The Islamic State may have provoked rare unity in a dysfunctional Congress -- but lawmakers’ support for Obama’s strategy comes with crucial caveats. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Dick Cheney Calls Obama's National Security View 'Willfully Blind'

While the former vice president is as hawkish as ever, the Republican consensus is not nearly as unified as it once was. By Emma Roller

Policy

How the US Should Plan Around Thailand's Ongoing Coup

The latest military coup in Thailand may last a few dozen more months. Here's what the U.S. military can do to make the most of the uncertain situation. By Joshua Kurlantzick

Policy

House Republicans Unveil Plan To Keep the Government Open

The fine print offers good news for the Pentagon and State Department and ongoing VA oversight, as well as efforts to curb the Ebola outbreak. By Billy House

Policy

Congressional Leaders Stand Back To Let Obama Strike Islamic State

The White House made clear the president won't go to Capitol Hill for approval to broaden his campaign against ISIL. And for now, no one is dissenting. By Daniel Newhauser

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