Policy
Donald Trump's Big Lie on the Iraq War
Trump’s opposition to the invasion is an important part of his claim to sound judgment. And he is making it up. I would know.
Ideas
Meet the Guerrilla Fighters of Kurdistan
While the fight against the Islamic State has been devastating for Kurdish communities, many guerrillas convey an optimistic message: When the war ends, the Kurds could finally have an independent state.
Ideas
The Americans Who Volunteer to Fight ISIS
'A lot of people come over here thinking they’re going to be Rambo. It’s not like that.'
Ideas
That 'Wasteful' Task Force? You're Not Getting the Full Story
In Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s Task Force for Business and Stability Operations fostered helpful investment — and pioneered an essential component of future missions.
Science & Tech
US Approves $2B in Bombs for Iraqi F-16s
Five months after Iraq began flying its F-16 fighter jets against ISIS, the Obama administration has approved a $2 billion cache of guided bombs and missiles that will make them far deadlier.
Threats
The 'Staggering' Civilian Costs of Iraq's Fight Against ISIS
The UN estimates that at least 18,000 Iraqis have been killed since the start of 2014, a number it warns might be too low.
Business
Here’s What America’s Longest-Serving General Most Fears
Gen. John Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, goes “over the side for the last time” with 45 years of perspective on U.S. war-fighting and its future.
Threats
Terror Arrests Pose New Threat to Syrian Refugee Program
Republicans pounced on the news that two men indicted on terrorism charges had been resettled in the U.S. after fleeing Iraq.
Threats
Ramadi Is 'Fully Liberated'
Iraqi government forces, backed by Sunni tribesman and U.S. airstrikes, recaptured the city from ISIS.
Threats
Iraq Does Not Want US, British Ground Troops for ISIS Fight
The U.K. defense secretary says the Iraqi prime minister does not want British or American ground troops and that local forces must overtake Islamic State militants on their own.
Ideas
Is There a Sunni Solution to ISIS?
David Ignatius calls for reconciliation among Iraqi Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds. But this oversimplifies the bargain that needs to be struck.
Ideas
Why It Matters That Carter Says Iraq Raid Isn't Combat, Then Says It Is
We may not be a nation at war, but U.S. special operators are fighting. And their raids against ISIS most certainly are combat.
Threats
US Soldier Dies in Action in Iraq, the First Since 2011
An American soldier was killed in an operation involving U.S. and Kurdish commandos on an Islamic State base in northern Iraq.
Threats
Only ‘4 or 5’ US-Trained Syrians Are Still in the Fight Against ISIS
It’s far from the 15,000 envisioned over three years, CENTCOM commander Gen. Austin conceded to lawmakers.
Threats
Military Revises Count, Says 500 Americans Likely Killed in Iraq By ‘Iranian Activities’
CENTCOM says that 500 number Sen. Ted Cruz keeps using is accurate—sort of.
Threats
How Many US Troops Were Killed By Iranian IEDs in Iraq?
Far fewer than Congress thinks, according to newly declassified documents from U.S. Central Command.
Policy
The Islamic State, Donald Trump, and the Iowa State Fair
Iowa voters value national security, but when Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush’s debate over Iraq fell flat, Donald Trump bulldozed through the opening.
Ideas
ISIS, Syria, and Turkey’s New War on the Kurds
After a decade of improving relations, Ankara has resumed open war on the largest stateless ethnic group in the world.
Ideas