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
The VA Has Way Too Many Websites for Veterans Care
VA Secretary Bob McDonald wants to consolidate the 14 different websites veterans have to choose from to help coordinate their care from the department. By Bob Brewin
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