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

Policy

What Stands in the Way of an Independent Kurdistan?

Iraq's northeastern Kurdish region is anxious to assert its independence and protect key cities while provinces around it descend into sectarian chaos. But Kurdish leaders may be trying to do too much too soon. By Steven A. Cook

Policy

Senate Politics Leave 28 Countries With No U.S. Ambassador

Nominations for U.S. ambassadors are gathering dust as partisan posturing holds up their Senate confirmation. Never mind that the world’s on fire. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

With 28 Days Left, What Can Congress Do?

Congress is heading out of town for the Fourth of July with less than a month of work left before November's elections. But don’t expect immediate action on crucial national security legislation. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Iraq Is the First Major Test of Obama's Revamped Foreign Policy

Obama's May speech at the National Defense University updated the world on America's post-9/11 battle space. The recent crisis in Iraq is putting those words to the test. By Major Garrett

Policy

Important But Not Worth It, Americans All Over the Map on Iraq

Poll finds Americans don't like Obama's approach in Iraq, but don't know what else to do either. By Matt Berman

Policy

The One Thing Holding Back Congress From Fixing the VA

Everyone wants to fix the Veterans Affairs Department - but how to pay for it? By Stacy Kaper

Threats

More Than 1,000 Iraqis Killed in Past Two Weeks Alone

As Beltway pols watch Tuesday’s U.S. primaries, Secretary Kerry is in Iraq where politics actually are deadly. Molly O’Toole