Threats
Nouri al-Maliki’s Tenure as Iraq’s Prime Minister in 5 Charts
Iraq's recent rise in violence against civilians bookends the outgoing prime minister’s time in charge. By Jason Karaian
Threats
The Ancient Roots of the Yazidis, and Why ISIL Wants Them Dead
A look at the difficult history of the religious minority Obama authorized American troops and airstrikes to protect. By Emma Green
Threats
A Short History of the Barbaric Terrorists of the Islamic State
How the Islamic State digressed from a Jordanian man's fantasy to an entire region's nightmare. By Bobby Ghosh
Threats
Snowden Says the NSA Shut Down Syria's Internet
In a new interview, the fugitive leaker claims the NSA inadvertently took down Syria’s Internet during its prolonged civil war. By Dustin Volz
Threats
Mission Creep? U.S. Has Nearly 1,000 Troops in Iraq Now
The Pentagon just added nearly 130 new advisors to northern Iraq, elevating the exposure of U.S. troops to the risks of violence on Iraq’s new battleground. By Ben Watson
Threats
America Has No Strategy to Stop ISIL
The adaptability of ISIL fighters in Iraq is raising serious concerns about perceptions of U.S. military power in the region. By Janine Davidson
Threats
The Devolving U.S.-Russia Relationship
U.S. leaders need to talk to the Russians, not threaten them. By Jeffrey Tayler
Threats
U.S. Air Strikes Are Having a Limited Effect on ISIL
After more than a dozen U.S. air strikes in northern Iraq, a top Pentagon official says ISIL is far from retreating. By Ben Watson
Threats
Navy Chief Says the Future of War Lies in 'Information Dominance'
Cyber threats and capabilities are the dominant considerations for a service entering a new era in naval warfare. By Bob Brewin
Ideas
The U.S. Needs More Drones
The threat from terrorism is changing in ways that make intelligence collection all the more important. By Paul Scharre
Policy
The 'It's About Oil' Theory in Iraq Is Still Inaccurate
The idea that the U.S. is only in the Middle East for oil may seem like a seductive idea -- but it's a deeply misguided one as well. By Steve LeVine
Threats
Obama OKs $10 Million for ‘Unforeseen Emergency’ in Africa
President Obama is sending France $10 million in military aid to bolster the fight against Islamic extremists in Mali, Niger and Chad. By Molly O’Toole
Threats
U.S. Air Strikes Continue in Iraq
President Obama says the crisis in Iraq will ‘take some time’ to solve, as the military conducts nearly a dozen targeted military strikes against ISIL. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Why ISIL Is Worse Than Al-Qaeda
Is ISIL the new al-Qaeda or are they like the Taliban? Are they more like Hezbollah or Boko Haram? Or Hamas? All of the above, and much more. By Bobby Ghosh
Policy
Iraq Vets in Congress Support Air Strikes, But Are Wary of Another War
Iraq veterans in Congress largely support air strikes in Iraq, with an intimate understanding of the cost of U.S. military intervention. By Molly O’Toole
Threats
What Does Hamas Do Now?
In its war with Israel, the Palestinian group has accomplished none of its aims. By Hussein Ibish
Threats
Pentagon Says More Strikes Are Possible in Iraq
The Pentagon is prepared for more strikes against ISIL, possibly in Baghdad where the U.S. has many assets. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
America's Moral Obligations in Iraq
‘An entire religion is being exterminated from the face of the earth,’ one Iraqi lawmaker warns. By Peter Beinart
Threats
U.S. Bombs Islamic Fighters in Northern Iraq
President Obama ordered the U.S. military to carry out targeted airstrikes against Islamic extremists who are rapidly advancing in the Kurdish capital of Irbil. By Stephanie Gaskell
Science & Tech