Policy
Clinton Details A More Aggressive US Plan for Middle East, Terrorism
The Democratic front-runner calls for an ‘intelligence surge,’ increased special operations, and more of nearly every U.S. tool to fight terrorism.
Threats
Three Ways ISIS Gets Its Money
“It seems to me … that terrorist groups will do anything for money.”
Science & Tech
Restricting Encryption Would Not Have Prevented the Paris Attacks
Despite what intelligence officials say, limiting information security would do little to thwart terrorism.
Threats
Brussels Has Become the Jihadist Capital of Europe
In the last few years, one particular suburb has been at the heart of a thriving black market where military weapons can be bought in record time.
Policy
Here's Why Assad and ISIS Hate France's Stake in the Middle East
With both the terror group and the brutal president blaming the Paris attacks on French foreign policy, it's worth asking: what is that policy?
Ideas
America Isn't Losing the War of Ideas to ISIS
In every era, the same alarms bells have sounded. The rise of the Internet, however, could make this one different.
Business
Meet the New Army General in Charge of the ISIS War
Army Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland is now commanding the counter-ISIS campaign; Officials name Nagata’s successor at SOCOM Central.
Science & Tech
Pentagon: State Doesn’t Have Enough People Tweeting At ISIS
In the war of online influence, the U.S. is gaining ground but is still hopelessly outmanned.
Threats
Obama Cancels Syrian Train-and-Equip Program
The Pentagon now plans to focus on training just key Syrian leaders and sending more arms — and air cover — to fighters already on the ground.
Ideas
We Never Thought Training Syrians Would Be Easy
When it comes to building capable foreign forces, one can have all the will, skill, money, and allies – but no guarantees.
Threats
Allen Quits ISIS War Envoy Job, One Year After Calling for Group’s Destruction
The retired general begged President Obama to “destroy” ISIS and was then appointed to help do it.
Threats
US Train-and-Equip Program, by the Numbers: 9 Fighting, 18 MIA, 1 Killed
Pentagon updates the tally just days after CENTCOM shocked senators by reporting that only ‘4 or 5’ Syrians remained in the fight.
Ideas
Today’s Terrorists Want To Inspire
How terrorism has—and hasn’t—changed, from the Algerian War to ISIS.
Threats
How ISIS Territory Has Changed Since the US Bombing Campaign Began
An animated depiction of a stalemate.
Threats
NATO Caught ‘Surprised’ By Russia’s Move Into Syria
Intelligence chief says the alliance members can’t even agree whether Moscow or ISIS is the greater threat — and there’s not enough ISR to go around.
Ideas
The 'War of the Imagination' at the Heart of the Struggle Against ISIS
The true theater of war for the Islamic State is not on earth, but in the heavens, argues popular and controversial scholar of religion, Reza Aslan.
Threats
How ISIS Turns the Economy Into A Recruiting Tactic
In ISIS-controlled areas, economic persecution and high unemployment are leaving the desperate with few options.
Business
Carter: Joint Chiefs Breach Shows Military Needs Better Cyber Security
As he travels to Silicon Valley to seek help, Defense Secretary Ash Carter criticizes the military’s network security.
Ideas
Incirlik Air Strikes Aren’t Changing Any Games Just Yet
Two weeks after U.S. planes started bombing ISIS from Turkish bases, the number of strikes in Syria has declined.
Policy