Threats
ISIS Is Using Tunnel Bombs in Iraq
Updating an ancient tactic, Islamic State militants — as well as rebels in Syria — are digging virtually undetectable tunnels, then planting bombs to blow up buildings and other targets.
Ideas
The Iraqi Army No Longer Exists
ISIS’s victory in Ramadi reveals that containment is the best the U.S. can do for now.
Policy
The White House's Game Plan for Iraq: Run Out the Clock
The administration's messaging on its Iraq strategy has basically been: No ground troops—at least until 2016—so stop asking.
Policy
House Appropriations Committee: Congress Must Consider Authorizing War Against ISIS
In a surprise move, the House panel that sets defense spending declared that lawmakers must debate whether to allow President Obama to use military force against the terrorist group.
Policy
Is Egypt Stable? Is That Even The Right Question?
Whether or not Egypt’s new political order will exist from 12 months to five years from now hinges more on the durability of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi than any any temporary calm.
Threats
ISIS Sets Its Sights on Saudi Arabia, and That’s Bad News for Washington
Nothing the terror group has done so far would be so menacing to U.S. interests.
Threats
US Army Chief Opens Door To Embedding US Troops With Iraqi Forces
After the fall of Ramadi, the Iraqi Security Forces need military and political leadership, Gen. Raymond Odierno says.
Policy
No. 2 Senate Democrat Wants US-Enforced Safe Zones In Syria
Sen. Dick Durbin has made it his lonely mission to push for humanitarian safe zones in Syria. The anti-war Democrat knows it would take international force to protect them, but he believes that’s necessary to prevent another Rwanda.
Ideas
Why the New Arab Military Pact Isn't Worth The Ink It Was Written In
The plan drawn up yesterday by the Arab world’s military chiefs is unlikely to go any farther than the Cairo conference room where it was concocted.
Policy
What President Obama Thinks on Iraq, Iran and Israel
Obama speaks about the state of U.S. policy in the Middle East in a wide ranging interview with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg.
Threats
A New Turkish-Saudi Thaw is Helping Rebels in Syria and Worrying Washington
Turkey and Saudi Arabia are finally working together to fight terrorism, and that’s good and bad news to the Obama administration.
Threats
Iraq Is Losing Control of the Nearly 100,000 Militiamen Enlisted To Fight ISIS
Almost three dozen Shiite militias have joined Iraq's fight against ISIS, a battle initially thought to be short-lived. As the militias extort from the population, the public's patience is wearing thin.
Ideas
It’s Time To Arm the Sunni Tribes
The United States must work with what partners it has available in Iraq, not fictitious ones it might prefer.
Threats
US Helicopter Shot at By Anti-ISIS Forces; Commander Blames Iran
No. 2 U.S. special operations commander in region says dumb rumor fueled by Quds Force leader is making the U.S. job in Iraq much harder.
Ideas
Ramadi is Only Part of the Problem With Iraq
The defeat at Ramadi should not have happened, but the war to save Iraq will be won in Mosul.
Threats
DoD Workers Want More of Everything In Fight Against ISIS, Except Ground Troops
Defense One/GBC Poll finds frustration but little appetite for boots on the ground.
Threats
The F-35 Won't Be Going To War Against ISIS Just Yet
The U.S. Marine Corps will declare its vertical-flight Joint Strike Fighter ready for war in July, but a top general says it’s unlikely the jets will head to Iraq any time soon.
Threats
Obama, Gulf Allies Enter 'New Era' of Arab Defense
The president committed the U.S. to defend regional governments worried about America's engagement with Iran.
Science & Tech
China May Be Selling Armed Drones to Jordan
Will the Wing Loong UAV soon be flying over Amman? Not if one congressman, and his largest campaign donor, have anything to do with it.
Threats