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
Why Rand Paul Loves to Fight Over Foreign Policy
Arguing over military intervention with the GOP is an ideal platform for the libertarian senator's most popular, and disruptive, ideas. By Molly Ball
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