Policy
Senate Finds Plenty to Criticize About the 'Militarization' of US Police
After raising concerns about its transparency and questionable spending, senators said Tuesday the Pentagon's so-called '1033' program has to be reined in. By Emma Roller
Ideas
What Obama Needs To Tell the American People About the Islamic State
While limited air strikes in Iraq have slowed the progress of the Islamic State, it’s clear that more must be done. By Rep. Martha Roby
Policy
Islamic State Dominates the Post-Recess Conversation in Congress
Congress is unlikely to vote on authorization for broad war powers in Iraq and Syria ahead of the midterms, but the deepening debate could shape U.S. policy for years to come. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
NSA Reform Will Likely Wait Until After the Election
It looks increasingly like legislation to reform the government’s surveillance programs might not get touched at all until next year. By Dustin Volz
Ideas
A Case for Edward Snowden's Immunity
Any effort that tries to rebuild the well-behaved aspects of the NSA's surveillance system while ignoring the critical role of whistleblowers is sure to fail. By Yochai Benkler
Policy
What to Expect from Congress This Fall
From the Islamic State to immigration, lawmakers face a long list of problems demanding solid solutions. Here's why you shouldn't hold your breath. By Norm Ornstein
Business
The Pentagon Is $200 Billion Short of What It 'Needs' for FY15, Study Shows
Next year's Pentagon budget, a new analysis suggests, is dangerously dominated by personnel costs rather than a fully-realized national security plan. By Charles S. Clark
Policy
House Republicans Seek Their Own Strategy Against the Islamic State
Multiple GOP-led House committees will hold hearings next week aimed at drafting a plan to defeat the Islamic State group. By Daniel Newhauser
Science & Tech
What Made Obama's Spy Chief Suddenly Support NSA Reform?
In a remarkable shift, James Clapper has come out in support of legislation that would effectively end the bulk collection of U.S. citizens' phone records. By Dustin Volz
Ideas
It's Time for Better Options for Rescuing US Hostages
The murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff make it clear the U.S. needs alternative ways to save its own from terrorist hostage takers. By Rep. Duncan Hunter
Policy
Democrats Break Ranks to Urge Military Assistance to Ukraine, Talks With Putin
Obama is off to the NATO summit amid increasing calls from his party for more direct action in Ukraine. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Why Sen. Feinstein Wants the CIA Torture Report Delayed
Hint: it has do with the agency's beloved black highlighter. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Republicans Recycle ‘Containment’ Line for Obama’s Iraq Strategy
Republicans once again hit Obama for ‘containment’ – painting the president as weak for not doing more to attack the Islamic State. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Obama, Iraq and the Coming War Powers Fight With Congress
To keep the U.S. fighting in Iraq, President Obama is quietly reconsidering the very Bush-era authorities he condemned. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
GOP Hawks Come Out in Force Against Obama's 'Limited' Iraq Airstrikes
Senator John McCain and Texas governor Rick Perry are among the Republicans saying Obama is simply too soft on the Islamic State. By Russell Berman
Policy
Why No Democrat Wants to Run Against Hillary
Given the Clintons' reputation for retaliating for betrayals, this Democratic front-runner looks poised to remain unchallenged all the way to 2016. By Peter Beinart
Ideas
Yet Again, CIA is Concealing Information Americans Should See
Only President Obama can break the stalemate between CIA and the Senate over declassifying the 9/11 torture report. By J. William Leonard
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
Policy
Congress Is Divided Over the Way Forward in Iraq
There’s support on the Hill for military strikes, but many say President Obama needs a long-term strategy in Iraq. By Clara Ritger
Policy