Policy
Pentagon’s Top Lawyer: Our Current War Law Still Works, But We Need a Better One
In a rare address, Stephen Preston argues that Congress’ sanction of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan permits today’s air strikes against the Islamic State and more.
Threats
What Arab Countries Think About the Iran Deal
Far from being shocked or appalled by the agreement, Arab countries see an opening to further their interests in the final round of negotiations.
Threats
Did the US and Iran Actually Agree on a Deal?
Merely days after a framework was announced, it's looking more like nothing has been settled between Tehran and the P5+1.
Policy
Here's Why the US Won't Recognize the Armenian Genocide
100 years after the Ottoman Empire began massacring Armenians, geopolitics is keeping Washington from acknowledging history.
Policy
Where Are the Anti-War Democrats on Iran?
Can liberal doves find the right candidates to bring Congress's national security policies in line with the desires of the American people?
Ideas
Arming Dictators Will Only Bring Chaos
Obama keeps saying the right things, but doing the wrong ones, by sending weapons to Middle East regimes.
Science & Tech
The Islamic State's Cyber War Crimes
The Islamic State group's grisly videos are much more than a mere record of war crimes.
Threats
Iraq's Youth Are Ticking Time Bombs That Can Still Be Defused
If the US is serious about ISIS threat, Congress should prioritize better, more accessible education to the millions of youth affected by the insurgency.
Threats
The 5,548 ISIS Targets Struck By Coalition Air Forces, in 3 Charts
The Pentagon’s latest data release finally includes airplanes that were destroyed in fall 2014.
Policy
These Are the Alternatives to an Iran Deal
Israel’s prime minister says more sanctions will produce a better nuclear agreement. But the evidence suggests otherwise.
Policy
Arms Won’t Keep US, Egypt From Drifting Apart
Despite Egypt's new US-acquired jets, tanks and missiles, the Washington-Cairo relationship is running on fumes.
Policy
Why the ICC Won't Investigate Violence in Palestine Any Time Soon
There is very little upside for the International Criminal Court to open a costly, formal investigation into a conflict with so many antagonists and counter-claims.
Threats
These Groups Were Also Celebrating the Iran Deal
Iranian-backed governments and organizations across the Middle East have reason to cheer on the framework agreement.
Ideas
The End of the Cold War Between the US and Iran Could Be Near
Three decades of animosity between Washington and Tehran may be transitioning to something new: a working bilateral relationship.
Ideas
The Iran Nuclear Deal, in 3 Charts
Thursday's framework agreement was a start, but there are hundreds of areas where a final deal could be derailed.
Threats
Obama’s Next Iran Challenge Is Even Thornier than Nukes
Obama will now have to do the thing he has been reluctant to do so far: confront Iran in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.
Threats
The US Has Joined the War for Yemen, But Why?
Why did the White House so eagerly sign up to back a Saudi-led Yemeni intervention that appears to be guided by dangerously unclear goals?
Ideas
The Part of Obama’s Arms-To-Egypt Deal That Matters
The shift to cash-flow financing may sound arcane, but it represents the most significant shift in the Washington-Cairo security relationship since 1979.
Ideas