Threats

Is ISIS Rational?

Why trying to think like ISIS is so hard—and risky.

Ideas

Here’s What’s Keeping the World from Uniting Against ISIS

People need a common story before they will go to war with an enemy. ISIS has one. The rest of the world does not.

Ideas

The Unintended Consequences of Containing ISIS

The Paris attacks have prompted calls for a stronger military response to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. But restraint may be the better course of action.

Ideas

It's High Time for US, Russian Militaries to Start Meeting Again

It is increasingly dangerous in this cyber-fast world for the nuclear-tipped nations to have such a dearth of contact.

Ideas

It's Past Time for Congress to Debate the War on ISIS

The Korean War demonstrates the risks of continued escalation in the Middle East without congressional approval.

Ideas

A Horrible Day for American Leadership

In response to terror, a petulant president and a xenophobic GOP presidential field.

Ideas

It’s Time for a Frank Talk with Pakistan’s Army Chief

The world is focused on Europe and the Levant this week, but the White House should grab a chance to address the fault lines in the US-Pakistan relationship.

Policy

Creating Terror Is Easier Than Fighting It

Obama’s critics are hard-pressed to explain how they would lead a war-weary public against ISIS.

Ideas

Cuban, US Ties Form Aboard US Military’s Hospital Ship

Thanks to the new open U.S. policy toward Cuba, the work done aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort heals more than bodies.

Ideas

Rand Paul Has a Point: How Much Defense Spending is Enough for GOP?

The next GOP debate could find even more substance by making candidates answer Paul’s question to the conservative movement.

Ideas

America Isn't Losing the War of Ideas to ISIS

In every era, the same alarms bells have sounded. The rise of the Internet, however, could make this one different.

Ideas

The Secret to Defeating the ISIS 'Caliphate' Might Just Be in Islam Itself

Nearly 100 years after the last Ottoman caliph was exiled, the Sunni world has yet to wholly define itself. And if good people don't step in, worse ones—like ISIS—will.

Ideas

Expect More Self-Destruction from Egypt's Sisi

The new Egypt, with its over-reliance on violence, coercion, and lies, looks strikingly similar to the old one.

Ideas

Obama's Chance to Reinvent the U.S.-Israel Defense Relationship

Despite what you may hear this week, the U.S. and Israel are far closer than many realize, says Obama's former Middle East policy chief at the Pentagon.

Business

Can the US Military Win Wars If It Keeps Losing Talented Officers?

The Pentagon worries its rigid personnel system is driving away the leaders it will need for the conflicts of the 21st century.

Ideas

Syrian Peace Prospects Now Hinge on Long-Time Foes Saudi Arabia and Iran

Fighting in Syria cannot be resolved without some kind of accommodation between Riyadh and Tehran—both of whom have used proxies to prolong the war.

Policy

Jeb Bush’s ‘Serious’ Foreign Policy Is Not Serious

The Bush campaign offered what it said were well-thought-out, serious foreign-policy views on Monday. And they were insane.

Policy

President Obama’s Last, Best Chance to Close Guantanamo

Obama needs to stick to his veto guns, hurry up and offer his plan to close Guantanamo.

Science & Tech

The Latest Cybersecurity Bill Will Only Confuse Internet Providers Like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast

Lawmakers could possibly save years of court battles over allegations of mass surveillance if they nail down a few key definitions in a pending bill before a House committee.

Ideas

The US Coast Guard Is (Quietly) Building Up Allies in the Arctic

A new forum frees up Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the U.S. and Russia to talk formally about security in a way prohibited by the Arctic Council charter.