Policy

Will Obama Resort to Appeasement in Syria?

Failure to receive approval from the legislature will only harken back to an era where dictators and despots were given free reign to terrorize. By Michael Hirsh

Ideas

How the 'War on Terror' Changed the Way We Go to War

The irregular nature of the past decade of warfare has emboldened presidents to order military action in other nations. Now Congress is saying, ‘Not so fast.’ By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

Only a ‘Painful’ Strike Will Stop Syria from Using Chemical Weapons Again

The father of the U.N.-backed Responsibility to Protect doctrine says military action against Syria is justified under the principles it lays out. By Kedar Pavgi

Business

Military Strike Against Syria Could Cost More Than $600 Million

The cost of a possible strike against Syria comes amid steep budget cuts at the Pentagon. By Defense One Staff

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

Threats

Industry Cyber Guidelines Target ‘Insider Threats’

A preview of the administration’s industry cyber security standards urges employers to monitor emails and social media to identify ‘risky personnel.’ By Aliya Sternstein

Threats

Will Attacking Syria Prevent More Chemical Weapons Attacks?

An inadequate response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria will only increase the risk that the world's most dangerous weapons will be used to commit further atrocities. By Daryl G. Kimball

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

Ideas

Pentagon Pivots Within the Pivot, to Southeast Asia

First came the pivot to Asia. Now, there’s the pivot within the pivot. By Kevin Baron

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

Ideas

Pentagon’s Syria Response Reveals Limits of Prized Cyber, Drone Arsenal

Here’s why the 'clarity' of a 20th century cruise missile strike likely will trump the 'sophistication' of the Pentagon’s 21st century drones and cyber-weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell

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

Ideas

The War After the War in Syria

The continued fracturing of Syrian fighters threatens any hope for reconstruction once the fighting dies down. By Joshua Foust

Ideas

To Reach the East, NATO Must First Go North

NATO has an opportunity to engage its Asian partners and counterbalance the burgeoning Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic. By Robbie Gramer and Alex Ward

Ideas

Whatever Comes Next, Syria Is Forcing a New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East

President Obama is deciding how to respond in Syria knowing that most Americans are wary of another mess in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron and Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Pentagon ‘Stands Ready’ for Military Action in Syria as U.S. Warships Move to Region

President Obama huddles with his national security team to decide whether to take military action in Syria amid reports of more chemical attacks. By Kevin Baron

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

Hagel Begins Asian Pivot as the Middle East Burns

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will spend the week setting up what the U.S. hopes to achieve over the next century: driving security in Asia while leading from behind in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron

Ideas

How Badly Did Manning Hurt the United States?

Manning said he was sorry for leaking troves of classified information from Iraq and Afghanistan. But just how much damage did he do? By Stephanie Gaskell