Ideas

Is Religion The Cause of All Major Wars in History?

In her new book, Fields of Blood, Karen Armstrong argues against the idea that faith causes wars. By Emma Green

Ideas

US Foreign Policy, Viewed from the Middle East

Washington's apparent moves toward containment are puzzling America's already tense Middle Eastern allies. By Elliott Abrams

Ideas

Who Controls Foreign Policy – the President or Congress?

A Supreme Court case over passports for people born in Jerusalem could have a surprisingly big effect on the balance of power in the United States. By Garrett Epps

Policy

Even Israel's Best Friends Understand That It's Disconnecting From Reality

An editorial in the leading American Jewish newspaper should be read by Prime Minister Netanyahu as a serious warning. By Jeffrey Goldberg

Threats

John Kerry: The Cold War Was 'Easy' Compared to Today

The Secretary of State says more economically powerful countries make today's political landscape more complex than it was 50 years ago. By Kaveh Waddell

Policy

The Way Americans Feel About a US Pivot to Asia Might Surprise You

More Americans are recognizing the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific as the U.S. rebalances its forces in the region. By Scott A. Snyder

Policy

How Republicans Got Their Groove Back on National Security

After the Iraq War, Democrats were suddenly the party Americans trusted to protect them. This midterm election suggests that’s over. By Noah Gordon

Threats

Hagel: Get Used To Endless War

The Pentagon's chief said that the US is living through 'historic, defining times.' This means that the long war will likely become even longer. By David Graham

Policy

The Wars Rand Paul Would Fight

In a speech at the Center for the National Interest, the Kentucky senator outlined 'the Paul Doctrine.' By Dominic Tierney

Policy

What Rand Paul Still Has To Prove on Foreign Policy

Is a big foreign policy speech enough to convince voters and political strategists that Rand Paul is the real deal? By Lauren Fox

Policy

Obama Wants His Staff To Be More 'Hands On' in National Security Crises

From domestic politics to foreign policy, Obama and his aides frequently appear overtaken or overwhelmed by events. By James Oliphant

Policy

Rick Perry Sharpens His National Security Edge Over GOP Rivals

The Texas governor recently made significant progress establishing his credentials in a surprising area: foreign policy. By David Frum

Policy

Rand Paul and the Myth of American Isolationism

Over the last year, Sen. Paul has developed an approach patterned on the internationalist thinking that influenced foreign policy elites during the Cold War. By Peter Beinart

Ideas

Should America Protect Itself Through Bridges or Barricades?

President Obama's response to global challenges stresses coalition-building over unilateralism. By Ronald Brownstein

Policy

Leon Panetta and Hillary Clinton Aren't As Cozy As You May Have Heard

While the media focuses on how the former defense secretary's memoir praises her and criticizes the president, the book itself tells a different story. By Peter Beinart

Science & Tech

US Red Tape Threatens Drone Sales in the Middle East

American companies are being bested by foreign firms when it comes to selling unmanned aircraft to friendly militaries overseas, says Textron Systems boss Ellen Lord. By Marcus Weisgerber

Threats

How Countries Use War Games To Prevent Future Catastrophes

Since 9/11, many nations have taken it upon themselves to try out extreme scenarios to determine if their emergency teams are up to the task. By Kabir Chibber

Policy

Panetta's Book Could Not Have Come At a Worse Time for Obama

Vice President Biden may have been too candid in his recent remarks, but the damage from former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's book will be far more lasting. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Ideas

US Strategic Leaders Need to Think Bigger – Much Bigger

The entire international system is in flux. It’s time U.S. leaders figure out America’s core interests and start fresh. By Hanna Samir Kassab

Ideas

Why It's Nearly Impossible To End the Cuba Embargo

Bill Clinton tried engaging Fidel Castro. After Havana shot down two U.S. planes, it all fell apart. By Peter Korbluh and William M. Leogrande