Policy
Turkey's ISIS Escalation Just Bought a Brutal Regime More Time
Ankara’s decision to attack ISIS and the recent Iranian nuclear deal both benefit the flagging efforts of Bashar al-Assad's army in Syria.
Ideas
The Lost Pilgrims of the Islamic State
Like past pilgrimages to China and the Soviet Union, the migration of Westerners to the Islamic State group points to the tragic intersection of estrangement and utopian hope.
Threats
Turkey Opens Key Air Bases for US Strikes On ISIS
The newly approved use of Incirlik Air Base and others for bombing missions will greatly reduce the distance U.S. warplanes must fly to their targets.
Science & Tech
How Antimatter Could Stop Iran From Cheating On the Nuclear Deal
Advanced particle detectors could be the key to ensuring the success of the agreement.
Threats
The Dirty Secret About the Iran Deal
A deal, as morally dubious as this one is, is a national security necessity.
Policy
The Real Reason Critics Hate the Iran Deal
The agreement highlights the limits of American power—something President Obama’s political opponents won’t accept.
Threats
The Other Group Looking Forward to the Era of the Iran Deal
Weapons companies - especially those from Russia and China - are standing by to upgrade Tehran's aging military equipment.
Policy
Who Wins, Who Loses, and Who’s in Between After the Iran Deal
Hint: the US isn’t in the first two categories.
Policy
Hagel: Vietnam War Offers Lessons for Islamic State Fight
The former defense secretary shares some insight ahead of the congressional commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the war in Indochina.
Policy
America's New Approach to the Iran Negotiations
The US and other powers are calling Tehran's deadline bluffs.
Ideas
Don't Expect Obama To Budge on His High Bar For Intervention
At the Pentagon, the president repeated what he’s said since running for office: the U.S. won’t fight the Mideast’s wars—except it is.
Ideas
Chart: The Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria vs. Previous Military Campaigns
Critics say the Obama administration isn’t dropping enough bombs on ISIS. Here's how Inherent Resolve stacks up against previous operations.
Threats
ISIS Kills 50 Egyptian Soldiers in Sinai Peninsula
If the terrorist group does control this territory, it would be a new milestone for the group's foothold outside of Iraq and Syria.
Ideas
Why Terrorists Want To See the End of Tunisia
Tunisia’s struggles to counter terrorism and nurture democracy are intertwined and, at times, mutually destructive.
Ideas
The US Military Should 'Go Small' to Defeat ISIS
Static, fortified bases cede the initiative to the enemy. Unconventional and light is the better approach—even if it carries a higher degree of tactical risk.
Policy
US Restores Bahrain Military Aid Despite Human Rights
Obama determines Bahrain, which houses key U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations in the Middle East, has made some “meaningful progress” on human rights reforms.
Threats
Video Chat Could Put US Advisors In ISIS Fight — Virtually
US troops confined to Iraqi bases may soon use FaceTime-like apps to help Iraqi soldiers on the battlefield.
Ideas
Michael Oren Is Wrong — There Has Always Been Daylight Between the US and Israel
Some Israelis think the relationship will snap back in January 2017, but it'll be more likely to continue as it always has.
Ideas