Threats
As Toll Mounts, Trump Downplays Injuries Suffered in Iranian Attack
The president's dismissive statements about the brain trauma suffered by U.S. troops at Al Assad may reflect a considered attempt to de-escalate – or not.
Ideas
Donald Trump Stumbles Into a Foreign-Policy Triumph
The president, however inadvertently, may be reminding the world of the reality of international relations.
Ideas
Sending Troops Back to the Middle East Won’t Stop Iran
Knee-jerk deployments only distract from the president’s bigger priorities: China and Russia.
Threats
Eleven US Troops Were Injured in Jan. 8 Iran Missile Strike
The troops were medevaced this week to Germany and Kuwait to be treated for traumatic brain injury after experiencing concussion symptoms.
Policy
Meet the House Republicans Who Want to Rein In Trump On War
After the Soleimani strike, a working group of moderate Republicans and Democrats trying to “clarify” Congress’s war responsibilities hope they can build momentum.
Ideas
On Iran, It's Time to Return to Containment
Trump has traded Obama-era appeasement for inconsistent confrontation. What's needed is a strategy of containment, backed by clear and credible deterrence.
Ideas
Trump Broke It. Now He Owns It.
The president withdrew from a flawed deal with Iran, but had no realistic alternative. With that choice comes responsibility for what ensued.
Ideas
Iran’s Smart Strategy
The Iranians chose neither to fold nor to fight. It is not clear at this point who was more deterred by whom.
Threats
How Not to Operate a Surface-to-Air Missile Battery
It’s not yet clear why a Ukrainian jetliner was shot down on Wednesday, but a lot had to go wrong.
Policy
House Passes War Powers Resolution to Limit War With Iran
The measure is legally toothless, but could still have some political impact.
Ideas
The US, Iran, and the Consequences of Breaking International Law
Some in the U.S. act as if only naked might matters in foreign policy. Yet American policy in Iran and Iraq illustrates something different.
Science & Tech
Iran Is Expanding Its Online Disinformation Operations
Tehran isn’t as practiced as Moscow at purveying propaganda online, but they’re no slouches.
Ideas
Trump’s Threat to Bomb Iran's Cultural Sites Isn’t Just About Art
Throughout history, the destruction of culturally important sites has gone hand-in-hand with violence against civilians.
Ideas
After Years of NATO-Bashing, Trump Asks Allies for Help with Iran
But Britain, Germany, and France believe that everyone's interests are best served by the nuclear deal Trump hates.
Business
What We Know About the Missiles Iran Fired Into Iraq
To begin with, they’re getting more accurate.
Threats
US, Iran Back Away From Conflict—For Now
The crisis appears to be cooling, at least for now, as U.S. lawmakers — and presumably the president — return their focus to the looming impeachment trial in the Senate.
Ideas
Don’t Let Iran Tensions Stop the Battle Against ISIS
My recent journey through northern Iraq revealed how fragile the region remains, and how extremism could once again take root.
Exclusive
Science & Tech
Iran Is Getting Ready to Blow Up A Fake Aircraft Carrier, Again
To test weapons, try out tactics, and intimidate adversaries, Iranian forces may attack its barge-borne “carrier” as soon as March.
Ideas
How Quickly Could Iran Get a Nuclear Bomb?
A former National Nuclear Security Administration coordinator explains breakout time — and why it’s getting shorter.
Threats