Threats
How Much of a Threat to the Homeland Is the Islamic State?
Lots of things 'could' threaten the U.S. In the case of the Islamic State, does that danger justify another military campaign in the Middle East? By Peter Beinart
Threats
The Islamic State Fight Now Hinges on Arab Leaders
The Islamic State cannot be defeated without the broad support of ordinary citizens of the Middle East. On its face, this shouldn't be difficult. By Bobby Ghosh
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
Threats
Obama Has a Strategy for the Islamic State But He Better Have a Plan B
President Obama laid out a plan to defeat the Islamic State. But it’s hardly a shock and awe. Is there a Plan B? By Kevin Baron
Policy
Dick Cheney Calls Obama's National Security View 'Willfully Blind'
While the former vice president is as hawkish as ever, the Republican consensus is not nearly as unified as it once was. By Emma Roller
Threats
The Case Against Another War in Iraq
The president's developing campaign against the Islamic State is shaking out to be more emotionally reactive than purpose-driven. By David Frum
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
Ideas
‘No Boots on the Ground’ Doesn’t Mean No Combat in Iraq
President Obama is vowing not to send 'boots on the ground' in Iraq but they’re already there. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
Ignoring Obama's Most Important Achievement in the Middle East
The president is successful at hunting terrorists and denying the Islamic State access to vast storehouses of deadly chemical weapons. So why doesn't he get credit? By Jeffrey Goldberg
Threats
Is Obama's Caution on the Islamic State Paying Off?
From a steep rise in support from the American public to an assertive Arab League and a new Baghdad government, there are some good signs in the fight against the Islamic State. By Bobby Ghosh
Ideas
How the Lessons of Iraq Are Shaping the Fight Against the Islamic State
After 4 years of war in Iraq, the U.S. learned the importance of patience and restraint--lessons that dominate today's strategic fight against the Islamic State. By Col. Steve Liszewski
Ideas
Beyond Airstrikes, How the US Can Accelerate the Islamic State’s Defeat
Time is not on Washington’s side, despite greater clarity of the military, political and economic efforts it will take to defeat the Islamic State. By Bilal Y. Saab
Threats
The Islamic State May Have Hit the Point of Diminishing Returns
As Iraqi security forces regain their footing, the Islamic State's use of terror is not enough to relieve the pressure they face on the battlefield. By Col. Clint Hinote
Threats
US Sends Another 350 Troops to Iraq
The State Department asked for additional U.S. troops to Iraq to beef up security around the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. By Kaveh Waddell
Threats
At Last, Some Good News in the Fight Against the Islamic State
Iraqi security forces, with U.S. air support, appear to be making modest gains against the Islamic State. By Bobby Ghosh
Threats
Islamic State Militant Beheads U.S. Journalist Steven Sotloff in Video, Group Says
As they warned they would, Islamic State fighters beheaded American Steven Sotloff, says intel group. By Kevin Baron
Threats
The Fierce Minimalism of Barack Obama
Obama’s critics often claim he doesn’t have a strategy in the greater Middle East. That’s wrong. To understand it, we must go back 7 summers. By Peter Beinart
Policy
Behind Obama's Hesitation on Syria
Obama's caution reflects both the lawyer that he is and a deliberate turn away from his predecessor, who often neglected to weigh all the consequences of his decisions. By George F. Condon, Jr.
Threats
Is There a Plan to Attack in Syria or Not?
White House and Pentagon spokesmen spent Friday explaining that the president and the Joint Chiefs have some plans to strike in Syria, but there is no plan. By Kevin Baron
Threats