Threats

ISIS Beheads Another American Hostage

A video released Sunday by the terrorist group shows the execution of an American aid worker and former U.S. Army Ranger. By Marina Koren

Policy

Can the US Defeat ISIS Without Removing Assad?

Two months into its campaign against the Islamic State, the White House may be rethinking its strategy. By Adam Chandler

Ideas

Why the US Is Losing Yemen

The challenge of Yemen is far more complicated than finding a favored partner to do Washington’s bidding. By Adam Baron

Threats

Here’s What ISIS Recruits Ask Before Joining Up for Jihad

The website Ask.fm has become a popular forum for Islamic State militants to talk about what life is really like inside the extremist group. By Joanna Paraszczuk

Threats

In the War Against ISIS, Iran Is Not – and Will Not Be – a Friend to the US

In the fight against the Islamic State, your enemy’s enemy is not automatically your friend. By Bobby Ghosh

Threats

Destroying ISIS Goes Beyond Killing Its Leadership

A U.S.-led coalition has reportedly killed a top aide to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. But getting rid of the terror group's leadership isn't going to be enough. By Matt Schiavenza

Threats

Obama Doubles Number of Troops for Iraq Mission to 3,000

The Obama administration is reevaluating the operation against ISIL in Iraq, where months of air strikes there and in neighboring Syria have seen little effect. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

How the US Can Turn the GCC Into a Lasting Military Alliance

The Islamic State has achieved one thing: it got the GCC to agree on something. Now, can the U.S. make it last? By Melissa G. Dalton

Threats

US Targets the Khorasan Group With a New Round of Airstrikes

The Defense Department says the terrorist organization is plotting to attack the United States or Europe. By Jordain Carney

Policy

Obama To Ask Congress for New War Powers To Fight ISIS

After insisting for months he had sufficient authority to fight ISIS, Obama on Wednesday announced he will ask Congress for a new AUMF. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

Iranians Mark 35th Anniversary of Hostage Crisis With Protests

Iranians marked the anniversary of the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by hosting a series of anti-American rallies. By Adam Chandler

Ideas

US Foreign Policy, Viewed from the Middle East

Washington's apparent moves toward containment are puzzling America's already tense Middle Eastern allies. By Elliott Abrams

Threats

US, Allies Face Tragic Setbacks in Iraq and Syria

The losses underscore the fact that American support does not automatically lead to victory over ISIS. By Polly Mosendz

Ideas

The Roots of the Islamic State's Appeal

ISIS's rise is related to Islam. The question is: How? By Shadi Hamid

Threats

John Kerry: The Cold War Was 'Easy' Compared to Today

The Secretary of State says more economically powerful countries make today's political landscape more complex than it was 50 years ago. By Kaveh Waddell

Policy

Susan Rice: There's No Crisis in U.S.-Israel Relations

The national security advisor responds to reports that the U.S. relationship with Israel is at an all-time low. By Kathy Gilsinan

Threats

DOD Says Midterm Elections Will Not Alter the Defense Budget

Instead, DOD Comptroller Mike McCord sees lawmakers striking some kind of short or long-term budget deal next spring. By Marcus Weisgerber

Policy

The US-Israel Relationship Has Hit a New Low

The gloves are off on both sides, and profound changes could be coming in the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem. By Jeffrey Goldberg

Threats

ISIS Shifts Its Propaganda Tactics

The group's newest propaganda videos seem intended to directly counter Western media reports and spin them in a different light. By Polly Mosendz

Threats

Iran's 'Boots on the Ground' in Iraq Could Backfire on US Interests

As the saying goes, politics makes strange bedfellows. Most forget, however, that wars can produce even more perverse partners. By Graham Allison