Threats
Executions Could Be Iraq's Real Challenge to Unity
The UN warns that the rising number of death sentences in the country's courts fuels sectarian violence—and empowers ISIS. By Allen McDuffee
Threats
The Pentagon Can't Say If It Stopped the Khorasan Terror Threat
Early reports that Mohsin al-Fadhli, one of the group's leaders, was killed during still can’t be confirmed. By Jordain Carney
Ideas
Even Containment Needs Boots on the Ground
Even to keep ISIL at bay, U.S. or Iraqi forces would need to reclaim some cities – and that requires combat ground troops. By Jerry Meyerle
Threats
America's Awkward Alliance With Turkey Just Got More Awkward
The State Department said Thursday that it held talks about ISIS with a Syrian Kurdish party with links to a group on the U.S. terror list. By Adam Chandler
Ideas
The Last Step to an Iran Nuclear Deal
Washington is too focused on Iran’s ability to enrich nuclear material instead of our ability to watch them. By Greg Thielmann
Ideas
Contain ISIS, Then Roll It Back
If we haven’t defeated al-Qaeda by now, why do we expect to ‘destroy’ ISIS? By Richard Fontaine
Ideas
Like It or Not, Containment Is What It Is
As bad as containment sounds, it may now be hard to accomplish more. By Thomas Karako
Ideas
Why Containment Is a Myth
Containment is no ‘easy button’ for national security. Here’s why. By James Jay Carafano
Threats
The Campaign Against ISIS Finally Has a Name
The operation to 'degrade and destroy' the Islamic State shall be known as ‘Inherent Resolve.’ By Adam Chandler
Threats
Where ISIS Is Taking a Big Hit
Coalition airstrikes aren't stopping ISIS from taking territory in Iraq and Syria, but they have cut affected the amount of black market oil money the group is pulling in. By Steve LeVine
Ideas
What Could US Boots on the Ground Do in Iraq and Syria?
Boots on the ground in Iraq or Syria should be seen as a capability, not a strategy. By Brian Michael Jenkins
Ideas
Is ISIS Using Chemical Weapons?
If reports that the Islamic State has used chemical weapons in Syria are true, where did they get them? By Joseph Cirincione and Paul Walker
Ideas
Obama Is Working With the Wrong Partners in Iraq
The U.S. is behaving like junior partners to Iran and propping up Shiites in Baghdad, instead of Sunnis on the front line. By Bing West
Science & Tech
ISIS Is Better Than Al-Qaeda At Using the Internet
Both terrorist groups have embraced digital communications to spread their message. However, its the newer organization that has made a much bigger impact. By Laura Ryan.
Threats
Promises of Syrian Rebel Train-and-Equip Program Meet the Battlefield’s Realities
It will take months, if not years, to train and equip Syrian rebels. But on the battlefield, the clock is ticking. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Threats
Air Strikes Haven't Stopped ISIS From Moving On a Key Syrian City
The efficacy of the US-led airstrikes is under scrutiny as Islamic State fighters raise their flag over parts of the northern Syrian town of Kobani. By Adam Chandler
Threats
Report: Mortars Land in Baghdad’s Green Zone
Islamic State fighters are closing in on the Iraqi capital. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
These Are All the Countries That Now Recognize Palestinian Statehood
The list of more than 130 nations recognizing the state of Palestine just added Sweden, the first EU nation. Here's the full tally ahead of the UK's vote next week. By Kabir Chibber
Threats
How Iran Scammed America Out of a Nuclear Deal
A year ago, Iran was in crisis. Now it’s on the verge of a diplomatic triumph. By David Frum
Threats