Policy

One Year into the War That Congress Won't Declare

What if U.S. lawmakers don’t accept their duty to oversee the U.S. campaign in Iraq and Syria?

Policy

Pentagon Pressures Turkey to Strike ISIS, Tighten Border

More than a year into the U.S.-led campaign against Islamic State militants, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is demanding Ankara do more.

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.

Threats

A Better Deal With Iran Is Possible

A congressional “no” doesn’t have to mean “no, never.” It can also mean “not now, not this way.” Here’s what a better deal might look like.

Threats

Odierno Wades Into GOP Battle Over Iraq War

If Iraqi soldiers don’t make progress in the coming months, the Pentagon should recommend embedding troops on the battlefield, says Gen. Raymond Odierno, the outgoing Army chief of staff.

Science & Tech

Google Earth Is Helping Syrians Call In US Air Strikes

Kurdish militia fighters are using Android tablets and free Google mapping tools to track battle lines and coordinate close air support with the US military.

Ideas

Drifting Down The Nile: US, Egypt Prepare to Talk

The upcoming strategic dialogue will seek to expand the relationship beyond security issues—or maybe just get things back on track.

Policy

Three Cabinet Secretaries Crashed John McCain's Iran Hearing

The Armed Services Chairman makes it known he didn’t ask Secretary of State John Kerry, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to testify on the Iran deal — the Pentagon did.

Business

Saudi Arabia Responds to Iran Deal: Give Us 600 Patriot Missiles

The Kingdom’s request for additional interceptors could be the first of many new Mideast arms purchases aimed at warding off Iranian missiles.

Threats

Britain Digs In Against ISIS, Russia

Sensing a “darker threat environment,” America’s ally launches its first strategic review in half a decade.

Threats

Expect Less Than Advertised As Turkey Enters ISIS Fight

White House officials called Turkey's new role in the fight against ISIS 'game-changing.' In reality, Ankara's escalation is likely to achieve much less than expected.

Ideas

Obama's Unnecessary and Risky Foreign Policy Gamble

The President's supporters say he's taking America 'out of the rut of history' with Iran, but he's actually making a generational mistake.

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.

Ideas

Was the Iran Deal Worth It?

Obama has secured an admirable agreement, but at tremendous cost.

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.