Policy
With National Security Emerging as a Top Issue, Candidates Adjust Strategies
In Arkansas, Democrats thought Tom Cotton's hawkishness would be a major vulnerability. Now, it's a late-breaking asset. By Alex Roarty
Policy
How to Defeat the Islamic State, According to Ted Cruz
The senator’s brand of national security is more steeped in dangerous, pandering rhetoric than actual military advice. By Peter Beinart
Policy
Senate Approves Obama's Mission To Train Syrian Rebels
In its last pre-election move, Congress sends the president a bill to arm and train properly vetted members of the Syrian opposition. By Michael Catalini and Sarah Mimms
Policy
Congress Staves Off Another Government Shutdown...For Now
The Senate easily passed a short-term spending bill on Thursday, clearing the way for the government to avoid a shutdown until at least mid-December. By Eric Katz
Policy
Rand Paul Is Still Figuring Out His Middle East Policy
In a long speech on the Senate floor, the Kentucky Republican laid out a spotty foreign policy vision while taking swipes at members of his own party. By Rebecca Nelson
Policy
Ukrainian President Asks Congress for Lethal Aid To Confront Russia
Poroshenko's visit to Washington on Thursday was a show of solidarity with the U.S., and he wanted Russian President Vladimir Putin to know it. By Marina Koren
Threats
House Approves Measure To Arm and Train Syrian Rebels
Anti-Islamic State language split both parties, but now the funding bill now heads to the Senate. By Billy House
Policy
Marco Rubio Channels Dick Cheney To Step Up His National Security Game
Sen. Rubio outlines an aggressive foreign policy platform and takes some not-so-subtle jabs at President Obama and some of his less-hawkish fellow Republicans. By Emma Roller
Policy
New Lawmakers Agonize Over Their First War Vote
For newer members of Congress, a vote to authorize training Syrian rebels will be their first time weighing military action. By Billy House
Policy
Dempsey Says US Ground Forces Possible If Coalition Strategy Fails
Top military advisors give the president their best advice based on the situation on the ground. That may mean ‘no boots on the ground’ complicates things. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
House Vote on Syria Expected Wednesday
Lawmakers in the House say they'll vote on authorization to train Syrian rebels along with a spending bill and 2 separate amendments just in time for pre-election recess. By Billy House
Policy
Obama’s Dramatic Reversal on Bush’s Laws of War
Obama has launched an indefinite campaign against the Islamic State relying on Bush-era laws he pledged to end. Legal analysts aren’t buying it. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Congress Has 4 Days To Act on Obama's Syria Plan
Congress has plenty to tackle in its last week before recess, including whether or not to include language in its spending bill that would authorize the training of Syrian rebels. By Michael Catalini and Billy House
Ideas
The US Needs a Third Missile Defense Site
It’s time to reverse the decline in spending and start improving our missile defenses to keep pace with growing threats. By Sen. Jim Inhofe
Policy
House Republicans Find Obama's Plans in Syria 'Unrealistic'
Seeking more details on Obama's plans for Syria, House Speaker John Boehner said, 'Somebody's boots will have to be on the ground.' By Daniel Newhauser and Billy House
Policy
GOP Tries To Turn Obama's Foreign Policy Into a November Opportunity
Russian aggression and the Islamic State are replacing healthcare and the economy as Republican election bait for this year's midterms. By Emily Schultheis
Policy
Islamic State Unites Congress, But Lawmakers Diverge on the Way Forward
The Islamic State may have provoked rare unity in a dysfunctional Congress -- but lawmakers’ support for Obama’s strategy comes with crucial caveats. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
House Republicans Unveil Plan To Keep the Government Open
The fine print offers good news for the Pentagon and State Department and ongoing VA oversight, as well as efforts to curb the Ebola outbreak. By Billy House
Policy
Congressional Leaders Stand Back To Let Obama Strike Islamic State
The White House made clear the president won't go to Capitol Hill for approval to broaden his campaign against ISIL. And for now, no one is dissenting. By Daniel Newhauser
Business