Policy
HASC Takes on Syria – But Does Anyone Care?
The House Armed Services Committee finally got its chance to debate military action in Syria on Tuesday. But does the committee really have any influence over Congress’ vote? By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Obama's Last Chance to Convince Congress to Strike Syria
Having lawmakers back in Washington--and away from irate constituents--may be the way that Obama convinces them to shift their positions on Syria. By Shane Goldmacher
Policy
Why Going to Congress For a Vote on Strikes in Syria Was a Major Risk
The debate over action in Syria comes as Congress is already swamped over the debates on fiscal policy, the debt ceiling, and other major federal government initiatives. By Norm Ornstein
Policy
The Syria Vote is Confounding Members of Congress
Faced by an election next year, a presidential election in 3 years, and an electorate exhausted by the war, members of Congress are reluctant to support a new military operation in Syria. By Beth Reinhard
Policy
How Syria Gives Rand Paul a Political Advantage Over Marco Rubio
The Senator from Kentucky has long had a non-interventionist stance on foreign policy matters, but the timing of a possible intervention in Syria may boost his national profile even further. By Beth Reinhard
Policy
Hagel the Grunt, McCain the Pilot, and Vietnam’s Effect on Syria
Vietnam combat veterans faced off in Congress over Syria on Tuesday, but when it comes to war, the difference between Hagel and McCain is about 30,000 feet. By Kevin Baron
Policy
Does Assad Win No Matter What the U.S. Does in Syria?
Secretary of State John Kerry admits that Bashar al Assad will ‘weather’ a limited U.S. strike against Syria for using chemical weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Syrian Rebel Commander Idris Prepared to Testify to Congress
Supporters say they may bring Syria’s rebels leaders from the front lines to the witness tables of Capitol Hill, should Congress balk. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
How the 'War on Terror' Changed the Way We Go to War
The irregular nature of the past decade of warfare has emboldened presidents to order military action in other nations. Now Congress is saying, ‘Not so fast.’ By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Post-Iraq Invasion Congress Members Demand a Vote on Syria
It's the members who joined Congress after the 2003 invasion of Iraq who are being the most vocal on demanding for a vote before any U.S. military action in Syria. By Shane Goldmacher
Policy
War with Syria: The Intersection of Interests and Ideology
In the realm of foreign affairs, it’s rare that a cause unites hawkish interventionists and neoconservatives, realists and liberal internationalists. By James Kitfield
Policy
Congress Urges Obama to Make His Case Before Striking Syria
Several members of Congress are reminding President Obama of his obligation to consult with Congress before authorizing military action in Syria. By Michael Catalini
Policy
The NSA Needs a Church Committee
It's time for a new Church Committee, the mid-1970s surveillance oversight investigation named for Sen. Frank Church, and this time it should be led by Sen. Ron Wyden. By Conor Friedersdorf.
Science & Tech
Exclusive: NSA Loophole Keeps Congress Clueless on Foreign Intel Violations
The leaked audit showing the NSA broke privacy rules nearly 3,000 times in one year is just the tip of the iceberg. The NSA is not telling Congress much more. By Marc Ambinder
Policy
Military Sexual Assault Victims Are Closely Watching Reform Efforts
Proposed legislation to take sexual assault reporting out of the chain of command is a start, but survivors say that more needs to be done to combat the ongoing crisis. By Stacy Kaper
Policy
McCain's Foreign Policy Bromance With Obama
Fresh from a trip to Egypt on behalf of the president, Sen. John McCain compares his relationship with Obama to "a classic romantic comedy." By Abby Ohlheiser.
Policy
Congress: We're Still at War and We're Not Closing Gitmo
A House amendment to end the legal authorization for war fails as Republicans insist “terrorism is not going away.” By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Intel Committee Approved Arms for Syrian Rebels
House panel had “reservations” but moved White House plan forward last week.
Policy
McCain Is Wrong About Dempsey on Syria
Sen. John McCain wants answer from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Syria. But surely he knows Gen. Martin Dempsey isn't going to answer them. By James Joyner
Policy