Ideas
The Challenge of Selling ‘Stay the Course’
Obama’s Pentagon photo op was meant to talk tough and say nothing new while convincing the public his plan is working.
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
In Town Where Refugees Depart, Trump's Ideas Feel Even More Ludicrous
As Syrian refugee parents fight for food and their children's survival, the policy conversation happening in America could not feel more remote – or more off-base.
Ideas
Drone Strikes Are Creating Hatred Toward America That Will Last for Generations
'The resentment created by American use of unmanned strikes,' said retired four-star Gen. Stanley McChrystal, 'is much greater than the average American appreciates.'
Threats
Why Do People Join ISIS? Here’s What They Say When You Ask Them
A marketing communications company gets the Pentagon’s attention by identifying nine reasons.
Threats
Russian Strikes Killed Syrian Soldiers, Pentagon Says
Accused of airstrikes on government forces, U.S. officials point the finger at Moscow.
Science & Tech
How a Poorly Rigged Antenna Contributed to Kunduz Hospital Strike
AFSOC commander describes new drones, training, and gear could prevent future deadly mistakes.
Policy
In Syria, Obama Treads a Well-Worn Path From ‘No Boots’ to Intervention
Here’s the recipe: downplay a U.S. military commitment, increase that commitment, deny breaking pledges to keep out.
Threats
Obama Doesn't Know What He'll Do When US Troops Capture an ISIS Leader
The president is now sending special operators on ISIS capture missions. He has less than 90 days to tell Congress what he plans to do with them.
Ideas
As US Bombs ISIS, Be Wary of Moscow’s Spies
Does the USAF really need to fly F-22s where Russia can practice tracking them?
Threats
Did Russia Just Shred the Last Hope for Mending Ties with Turkey?
The Russian Defense Ministry is accusing the Turkish president and his family of personally profiting from the oil trade with the Islamic State, a claim Erdogan flatly rejects.
Business
US Deploying a ‘Targeting Force’ to Iraq, Syria. Expect Unilateral Special-Ops Raids.
Defense secretary: ground operations are more extensive than previously described, and are still growing.
Threats
No Apologies from Turkey for Shooting Down Russian Jet
In remarks at NATO headquarters, Ankara's prime minister said its Army ‘did its job’ last week, and invited Moscow to talk.
Business
Kunduz Investigation Blames Aircrew, SOF Commander, Computers
The top U.S. general in Afghanistan detailed a stunning list of “tragic but avoidable” human and technology failures that doomed the Médecins Sans Frontières hospital.
Ideas
The War on ISIS: What’s the Endgame?
Nobody’s focused on winning the peace. That’s a big problem.
Policy
Hollande Tries to Rally the World to France’s War on ISIS
But many countries have their own reasons, and strategies, for fighting the terror group.
Threats
Putin is Accusing Turkey of Being an ISIS Ally—and He’s At Least Partly Right
The Islamic State group reportedly smuggles a large volume of oil via trader routes going almost exclusively through Turkey.
Policy
What Vietnamese Refugees in New Hampshire Think of the Syrian Backlash
As 2016 hopefuls arrive with pledges to block refugees from Syria, Vietnamese-American voters here respond with a conflicted mix of caution and compassion.
Threats