Ideas
How Money Warps U.S. Foreign Policy
America's foreign policy is more elitist and insulated from public opinion than it has been in decades. And that’s a real problem for American democracy. By Peter Beinart
Threats
Mission Creep? U.S. Has Nearly 1,000 Troops in Iraq Now
The Pentagon just added nearly 130 new advisors to northern Iraq, elevating the exposure of U.S. troops to the risks of violence on Iraq’s new battleground. By Ben Watson
Policy
U.S. Signs 25-Year Military Pact with Australia
Australia will train with U.S. troops based on its northern coast for the better part of the first half of this century. By Ben Watson
Policy
7 Things You Need to Know About the Next Iraqi Prime Minister
A brief explainer on Haider al-Abidi, who was picked Monday to replace Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister of Iraq. By Kedar Pavgi
Policy
The 'It's About Oil' Theory in Iraq Is Still Inaccurate
The idea that the U.S. is only in the Middle East for oil may seem like a seductive idea -- but it's a deeply misguided one as well. By Steve LeVine
Ideas
What’s Next for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit?
Fewer and less intense wars in Africa present the U.S. with an opportunity to increase accountability for human rights violations and the rule of law. But is America up to the task? By Amelia M. Wolf
Policy
U.S. 'Failure' in Syria Led to Iraq Crisis, Clinton Says
The former Secretary of State blames President Obama’s inaction in Syria for the rise of ISIL in Iraq. By Jeffery Goldberg
Policy
Iraq Vets in Congress Support Air Strikes, But Are Wary of Another War
Iraq veterans in Congress largely support air strikes in Iraq, with an intimate understanding of the cost of U.S. military intervention. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Congress Is Divided Over the Way Forward in Iraq
There’s support on the Hill for military strikes, but many say President Obama needs a long-term strategy in Iraq. By Clara Ritger
Threats
U.S. Bombs Islamic Fighters in Northern Iraq
President Obama ordered the U.S. military to carry out targeted airstrikes against Islamic extremists who are rapidly advancing in the Kurdish capital of Irbil. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Summit Showcases Africa’s Progress and Pitfalls
The U.S.-Africa summit showed that as quickly as Africa’s economies are growing, so too is the terrorist threat. How the continent responds will secure its future. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
First Iraq Vet to Serve in the Senate Drops Out of Race
The Montana Democrat is ending his campaign for a full term after being accused of plagiarizing his Army War College thesis. By Emily Schultheis and Alex Roarty
Policy
The CIA Can’t Hack Senate Computers Because They Own Them, Experts Say
It’s not hacking because the CIA provided the system, network drive, search tool and classified documents for the Senate. By Aliya Sternstein
Business
DOD Could Save Millions in Health Care Costs If Congress Would Let It
A decades-old program within the military health system has outlived its usefulness, officials say. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
Is Rob Portman the GOP's National Security Dark Horse?
The longtime lawmaker from Ohio has two words for President Obama’s foreign policy record and 2016 candidates: experience counts. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Why Is the CIA Torture Report Still Secret?
The intelligence agency's behavior is enough for even people who dislike leaks to see the need for a whistleblower. By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy
At the U.S.-Africa Summit, Economics, Electricity and Terrorism
African leaders are in Washington this week to find ways to boost economic and security ties with the United States. By George E. Condon Jr.
Policy
Ron Paul Says Bring Edward Snowden Home
With Snowden’s asylum in Russia in limbo, the former House member is pushing for the clemency option. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Target the Senate
Three Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are hoping to be the first candidates elected to the upper chamber. By Zach C. Cohen
Policy