Threats

How Will Obama Keep Syria from Turning into Another Iraq?

White House promises of limited American action in Syria have so far failed to ease public concern. By David Rohde

Policy

Post-Iraq Invasion Congress Members Demand a Vote on Syria

It's the members who joined Congress after the 2003 invasion of Iraq who are being the most vocal on demanding for a vote before any U.S. military action in Syria. By Shane Goldmacher

Policy

War with Syria: The Intersection of Interests and Ideology

In the realm of foreign affairs, it’s rare that a cause unites hawkish interventionists and neoconservatives, realists and liberal internationalists. By James Kitfield

Business

Revealed: What U.S. Spy Agencies Spend Their Money On

Newly leaked documents, given to The Washington Post by NSA leaker Edward Snowden, show how U.S. spy agencies spend their $56 billion dollar budget. By Dashiell Bennett

Ideas

Drones, Spying, Iraq and the Case Against Military Action in Syria

When it comes to building a case for a strike against Syria, America’s credibility on drones, spying and the invasion of Iraq may get in the way. By Michael Hirsh

Threats

Obama: Strike Against Syria Would Be a 'Shot Across the Bow'

President Obama said a internationally backed military strike against Syria would punish the regime for using chemical weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

More than 3,000 Civilian Medical Personnel Quit Amid Furloughs, Budget Cuts

Many of them are heading over to work at the Veterans Affairs Department, which has been sheltered from sequestration. By Eric Katz.

Ideas

The Many Challenges of Building an International Military Coalition

Coordinating several militaries with different budgets, capabilities and goals to carry out a strike against Syria isn’t easy. By Kathleen J. McInnis

Policy

Congress Urges Obama to Make His Case Before Striking Syria

Several members of Congress are reminding President Obama of his obligation to consult with Congress before authorizing military action in Syria. By Michael Catalini

Threats

Not Yet! U.S. Still Determining Syria Attack Objectives

Obama administration officials are still trying to decide what objective they want to achieve with an attack on Syria, fearing additional chemical weapons use. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Syria: Mission Impossible?

President Obama is deciding whether to launch a military strike against Syria. The problem is, there may be no good way do it. By Michael Hirsh

Business

Former Air Force Secretary To Reduce Hagel's Staff by 20 Percent

Retired Air Force Secretary Mike Donley will lead a panel that's been directed to reduce the Office of the Secretary of Defense's budget by 20 percent. By Tom Shoop

Policy

U.S. No Longer Seeking U.N., NATO Permission to Strike Syria

Bypassing the United Nations and NATO, the United States is 'ready to strike' Syria with British, French and Arab support. By Kevin Baron

Threats

Kerry Makes the Case for Military Action in Syria

Secretary of State John Kerry says it’s not about stopping the civil war in Syria anymore– it’s about ending the proliferation of chemical weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Drones Are Controversial But Legal

Just because drones are more technologically advanced than other weapons doesn't mean they violate international law. By James Jay Carafano

Business

DoD Will Lay Off 6,000 Civilians if Sequestration Continues

Major cuts to civilian defense employees are imminent If Congress can't come up with a plan to reduce the debt and sequestration continues next fiscal year. By Eric Katz

Business

Did Snowden and Manning Really Know What They Were Leaking?

Manning and Snowden are seen by many as heroes for leaking classified information. But the real problem is with the indiscriminate nature of their leaks. By Mark Bowden

Policy

Obama: U.S. Influence in Syria is ‘Overstated’

In an exclusive interview with CNN, President Obama worries about getting involved in Syria, questions the future of U.S.-Egypt relations and suggests the NSA might need a public advocate. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

The Cost of Mental Health Care in the Military: $4.5 Billion Since 2007

Mental health care costs are on the rise in the military. The Pentagon spent nearly $1 billion on mental health treatment last year – roughly double the amount it spent in 2007. By Bob Brewin

Policy

What the NSA's Compliance Data Tells Us

One piece of data, left unredacted in its report to Congress, appears to give more information on the surveillence program than the NSA has ever released publicly. By Philip Bump