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
First Iraq Vet to Serve in the Senate Drops Out of Race
The Montana Democrat is ending his campaign for a full term after being accused of plagiarizing his Army War College thesis. By Emily Schultheis and Alex Roarty
Policy
The CIA Can’t Hack Senate Computers Because They Own Them, Experts Say
It’s not hacking because the CIA provided the system, network drive, search tool and classified documents for the Senate. By Aliya Sternstein
Policy
Is Rob Portman the GOP's National Security Dark Horse?
The longtime lawmaker from Ohio has two words for President Obama’s foreign policy record and 2016 candidates: experience counts. By Molly O’Toole
Business
Winning Hearts and Minds at the VA
Fixing the Department of Veterans Affairs is going to take a lot more than money. By Colin Wilhelm
Policy
Why Is the CIA Torture Report Still Secret?
The intelligence agency's behavior is enough for even people who dislike leaks to see the need for a whistleblower. By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Target the Senate
Three Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are hoping to be the first candidates elected to the upper chamber. By Zach C. Cohen
Policy
Senate Clears Funding for Israel's Iron Dome
The last-minute measure won unanimous support ahead of August's recess. By Michael Catalini
Policy
Does John Brennan Know Too Much to Be Fired?
If the Senate doesn't act now to rein in the CIA, what will it take? By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy
VA Reform Bill Clears Senate, Heads to Obama's Desk
A long-awaited VA bill is on its way to becoming law, but more work remains to be done. By Jordain Carney
Threats