Ideas
Power or Persuasion: More Sanctions or Bombs for Iran?
In the art of coercive diplomacy, sanctions and military pressure go hand-in-hand and must be feared, but they still have limits. By James Kitfield
Ideas
Obama’s Syria Policy in Disarray, Is Counterterrorism Next?
Syria’s opposition imploding “is a big problem,” warns Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Are U.S. counterterrorism operations inevitable? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
So When Does the U.S. Really Need Afghanistan to Sign the Troop Deal?
Obama administration officials still want a troop deal in Afghanistan in place by the end of the year, but want and need are two different things. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Graham Threatens to Block Defense Bill Over Iran Sanctions Vote
With Congress running out of time, Graham threatens to halt the NDAA unless more sanctions are placed on Iran. By Stacy Kaper
Policy
Why Congress Should Fully Fund the VA in Advance
Congress is about to fail America’s veterans if they don’t tackle these bills this year, and fund the full VA in advance. By Alexander Nicholson
Policy
Gillibrand’s Sexual Assault Bill Facing Long Odds
A tight congressional calendar and continued opposition from lawmakers does not bode well for the measure. By Jordain Carney
Policy
Karzai: There is ‘No Deadline’ to Sign Troop Deal
Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the Dec. 31 deadline to sign a post-2014 troop deal is just ‘pressure’ from the U.S. But visiting Gen. Martin Dempsey said negotiations are ‘closed.’ By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Republicans and Democrats Announce Budget Deal
The $1 trillion agreement would provide approximately $63 billion in relief from sequestration, split evenly between defense and non-defense programs. By Tim Alberta, Billy House and Sarah Mimms
Policy
Expect Kerry, Congress to Clash Over Fragile Iran Nuclear Deal
Though the administration secured a small victory in Geneva, many lawmakers are seething at the terms of the deal. By Sara Sorcher and Stacy Kaper
Policy
Iranian Foreign Minister: More Sanctions Would Kill Nuke Deal
Javad Zarif's statement comes right before Secretary of State John Kerry is due to testify before members of Congress who want additional sanctions with the interim agreement. By Jordain Carney
Policy
GOP Divide Could Stall Defense Bill
The annual authorization bill could be held up if lawmakers throw up procedural barriers to stall SASC leadership. By Stacy Kaper
Policy
Can Congress Pass an NDAA This Year?
Lawmakers have their plates full, and its not clear whether or not a budget agreement will pass on Capitol Hill. By Billy House
Policy
Harry Reid in Hot Seat for Iran Sanctions Vote
The Senate majority leader could alter the fate of the Iran deal next week -- back the White House by denying a vote on additional sanctions, or let the Senate vote and risk undermining Obama's chances with Tehran. By Stacy Kaper
Policy
House Intel Chair Slams White House Outreach to Syria's Islamist Rebels
Mike Rogers says the administration's approach reflects their lack of strategy towards the ongoing conflict. By Sara Sorcher
Business
Spared from Hagel’s Cuts: Cyber, Asia-Pacific, Homeland Policy Jobs
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is cutting 200 jobs from his front office – but he made sure to protect several key policy positions in homeland, cyber and the Asia-Pacific. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Japan Knew That Biden Would Go Soft on China
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is aware of the complex geopolitical game at play in East Asia. That's why he didn't implore the Vice President to go hard on Beijing. By Steve Clemons
Policy
Congress to Karzai: Sign the Security Pact Already!
Congressional Republicans want President Obama to push for a long-term agreement with Kabul. By Sara Sorcher
Threats
Pentagon Lets Joe Biden Do the Talking With China
Hagel and Dempsey have not talked to their Chinese counterparts during the latest tensions. The Pentagon says that’s by design. By Kevin Baron
Policy
After Secret Talks, Will the U.S. Get Iran to Open Up?
The administration's cloak-and-dagger diplomacy towards an interim deal was great. Whether it is actually effective in the next stage of negotiations is another question. By Major Garrett
Policy