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

Threats

Is the Shutdown Making Us Vulnerable to a Cyber Attack?

With the federal government shut down, there's fewer staff to prevent a cyber attack. By Brittany Ballenstedt

Threats

New Report Says Russia, U.S. Must Do More to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism

A new report says Russia and the United States should work together to prevent terrorists from getting access to nuclear weapons. By Rachel Oswald

Threats

Dempsey: Syria Is a ‘Long-Term Issue’

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey says the problems in Syria aren’t going to go away any time soon. By Stephanie Gaskell

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

Science & Tech

Why Britain's New Cyberwar Capabilities May Just Be Political Posturing

It'll be a while before London builds an army of hackers. For now, its just another proposal from Whitehall. By Leo Mirani

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

Threats

Lawmakers Urge the U.N. to Punish Cuba For North Korea Arms Deal

Members of Congress want to the United Nations to send a strong message to Cuba for a secret arms deal with North Korea. By Rachel Oswald

Ideas

Are IEDs Ever an Ethical Weapon on the Battlefield?

The world’s focus has been on chemical weapons use in Syria – but what about the homemade bombs that kill thousands of civilians across the globe? By David Small

Ideas

When Will the Media Stop Fueling the Angry Vet Narrative?

After the Navy Yard shooting, many media outlets were quick to point out the shooter’s military service, fueling the dangerous narrative that veterans are more prone to violence. By Alex Horton

Threats

Why Did Rouhani Say ‘No’ to Obama?

For decades, Iran has conducted secret negotiations with the United States, only to publically back off before a major diplomatic breakthrough. Rouhani's behavior at the United Nations was more of the same. By Michael Ledeen

Ideas

The Real Reason al-Shabab Attacked a Mall in Kenya

The violence was intended as a punishment for Kenya’s two-year military foray into Somalia, but plays into al Qaeda’s plans for a regional jihad. By Bronwyn Bruton

Business

Did the Taliban Get the U.S. To Revoke an Afghan Interpreter’s Visa?

After years of working as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Janis Shenwary was set to bring his family to the United States. Now his visa is on hold. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Who Is al-Shabab?

Here's what you need to know about al-Shabab, the terror group behind the deadly attack at a mall in Kenya. By Jonathan Masters

Threats

Al-Shabab Attacks a Symbol of Kenya's Economic Progress

Terrorists see the Westgate mall in Nairobi as a beacon of Kenya's rapidly burgeoning wealth. By Neelam Verjee

Threats

Africa's New Terrorist Training Ground

Last year, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb conquered a large swath of Mali, despite a French military intervention. Now, Africa may be the next front in the fight against terror threats. By Yochi Dreazen

Threats

Here's the Main Reason Iran's President Is Warming Up to the West

Rouhani faces a plunging economy because of western sanctions that have cut into oil exports and other industries. Talks with the West is the only way to make it stop. By Tim Fernholz

Business

Close the NSA's Reagan-Era Collection Loophole

There are many ways NSA could win back public trust, protect privacy, and still do its job. One way: cancel an executive order signed by Ronald Reagan. By Marc Ambinder

Business

Amos' Marines Could Go Even Smaller, to 120,000

All due respect, but Commandant Amos isn’t going deep enough. The Marine Corps can drop to 120,000 using MEUs. Here’s how. By Aaron Haubert