Policy
Pentagon Waits Out Shutdown While Sequestration Looms
As the Pentagon waits for an end to the government shutdown, it’s getting ready for the next battle: sequestration. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Can Taliban Founder’s Release Spark Afghan Peace?
Pakistan released Taliban founder Mullah Baradar, as President Karzai requested. But does Baradar still have the clout to bring peace to Afghanistan? By Carmen Gentile
Policy
GOP Says DoD Doesn't Have to Furlough Civilian Workers
Republican leaders say the Pay Our Military Act gives the Pentagon 'broad latitude' to keep paying its civilian workers. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
We Negotiate With Terrorists, Why Not With Congress?
Perhaps the Obama administration should adopt the same policy it applies to real terrorists: Don't negotiate at all in public, but meanwhile search for every back channel you can. By Michael Hirsh
Policy
The Beginning of the End for Washington
The political system is broken. What does Washington have to do to get back to work? By Ron Fournier
Policy
Obama to Military: Blame Congress
President Obama told troops they deserve better than their 'dysfunctional' civilian bosses in Congress in a video message delivered after the midnight shutdown. By Kevin Baron
Policy
The Government Has Shut Down
How did we get here? Here's a play-by-play of the late-night votes in Congress that failed to keep the government open. By National Journal Staff
Business
Congress Passes Bill to Pay Military and Support Personnel on Time During Shutdown
The measure now heads to President Obama's desk for signature, even as the rest of the government lurches towards a shutdown. By Eric Katz
Business
400,000 DOD Civilians to Get Shutdown Furloughs
Thousands of workers face mandatory unpaid leave days with the lapse in appropriations. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
Unwinding 34 Years of Sanctions on Iran Won't Be Easy
The current sanctions regime is a labyrinthine mix of laws, executive actions and involves many international actors. Easing them will be an arduous task for Obama. By Kaveh Waddell
Threats
The Six Things That Will Determine Obama's Success With Iran
Obama has made a good start by speaking to Rouhani, but there are plenty of pitfalls on the road to peace. By David Rohde
Threats
Syrian Rebels Are Rejecting U.S. Strategy
The new rebel alliance formed under al-Nusra is a no-confidence vote in U.S. leadership. By James Kitfield
Policy
Bill Clinton: House Republicans 'Don't Want to Negotiate' Over Funding the Government
The former president says that the House Republican position is 'almost spiteful,' and that the shutdown debates of the mid-1990s were 'extremely minor' in comparison. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Government Shutdown Looks Likely As Congress Hits Final Hours
Members of Congress are digging in for an extended budget battle, with no end in sight. By Michael Catalini and Billy House
Business
Pentagon Prepares for More Furloughs as Government Shutdown Looms
Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is warning DoD employees again to get ready for furloughs if the government shuts down on Oct. 1. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Afghanistan Wants Post-2014 Troops to Battle the Taliban, not al Qaeda
The Afghan Foreign Minister says the core of al Qaeda has been defeated in Afghanistan, but the country still needs U.S. troops to help battle the Taliban. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
How a 2009 Law Is Protecting Veterans from the Government Shutdown
Veterans advocates fought hard to pass a 2009 law that helps protect their benefits from congressional gridlock. Now it’s paying off. By Tom Tarantino
Business
Mabus: Budget Battle Threatens Navy's Progress
Even in hard economic times, the Navy has managed to grow and stay competitive. Another round of sequestration could undo that. By Charles S. Clark
Threats