Policy
Putin's Authoritarian Incentives in Syria
The Russian leader isn't just saving Assad's power. He's trying to preserve his own authority. By David Rohde
Policy
Navy Yard Shooting Talk Turns to Guns, Politics Before It’s Even Over
Political commentators from the left and right argue on Twitter on the causes of the latest tragedy in Washington. By Matt Vasilogambros, Patrick Reis and Lucia Graves
Policy
U.N. Releases Report on Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack, But Doesn't Assign Blame
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon calls the attack a "war crime" but doesn't name the perpetrators. By Philip Bump
Policy
The Winner of the U.S.-Russia Deal? Bashar Al-Assad
Syria's strongman was effectively strengthened by a deal that lets him stay in power without the possible threat of U.S. military involvement. By Shadi Hamid
Business
America Needs a Robust Crisis Response Force
With a sequestered budget, a force design of 174,000 is right sized to allow the Marine Corps to remain America’s crisis response force.
Policy
Kerry and Lavrov Agree on a Deal to Solve Syria's Chemical Weapons Problem
The 6 point plan would aim to have Syria turn over information on its stockpile, sign the Chemical Weapons Convention, and have it destroyed by the first half of 2014. By Connor Simpson
Policy
Obama’s ‘Nixon to China’ Moment
Obama has a chance to alter the global chessboard with Putin in a way not seen since Nixon worked with Mao. By James Kitfield
Policy
A Relationship or a One-Night Stand?
It's not clear whether or not the coalition of libertarian Republicans and liberal Democrats was a result of the Syria crisis, or if there's something longer term in the mix. By Alex Seitz-Wald
Policy
Obama Still Faces Plenty of Risks on Syria
Diplomacy has yielded plenty of initial dividends, but there are plenty of pitfalls ahead before the situation over Syria's chemical weapons is resolved. By Ron Brownstein.
Policy
Obama's Diplomatic Coup
With a possible agreement on Syria's chemical weapons with the Russians, the president reaffirmed America's global leadership during a time it was falling into question. By Michael Hirsh
Ideas
In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings
The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi
Ideas
The Return of Coercive Diplomacy
It is said "the power to hurt is bargaining power." But can the lesson of Obama and Syria be felt in North Korea and Iran? By Sam Brannen
Policy
House Intel Chair Wants Arab Troops To Secure Chemical Weapons
Obama's threat of war is working, says House Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Mich., but securing chemical weapons will need Arab League boots on the ground. By Sara Sorcher
Threats
America at a Crossroads – Able to Lead, or Gulliver in Lilliput?
We cannot pretend away what we have seen in Syria. Will we let Obama use the commander-in-chiefs tools or become Gulliver in Lilliput? By Michael Breen, Rachel Kleinfeld and Doug Wilson
Policy
Putin Has the Upper Hand on Syria
Russia's president has the trump card in this geopolitical game, and the situation could not be any riskier for Obama. By Major Garrett
Policy
Syria Tells You Everything You Need to Know About Barack Obama
The president's policy towards Syria only puts his best and worst attributes on full display. By Ron Fournier
Policy
Kennedy's Battles With the Brass
JFK fought to rein in the military on multiple occasions. His actions may have prevented nuclear war. By Robert Dallek
Ideas
The Obama Doctrine
This wasn’t just an address to the nation about Syria, it was a major foreign policy speech that finally spells out the Obama Doctrine. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
National Security for Dummies: Syria Exposes D.C.’s Chasm Between War and Politics
For the shouting politico crowd, Syria is a political gamble between a ‘lame duck’ president and a weak GOP. For the natsec crowd, it’s geopolitical warfare best left to the adults. By Kevin Baron
Policy