Policy
With National Security Emerging as a Top Issue, Candidates Adjust Strategies
In Arkansas, Democrats thought Tom Cotton's hawkishness would be a major vulnerability. Now, it's a late-breaking asset. By Alex Roarty
Threats
What To Expect from Obama's Plan To Stop Foreign Fighters
Getting the UN Security Council to agree on Obama's plan to curb transnational jihad will be the easy part. What comes after is where the real problems lie. By Stewart M. Patrick and Daniel Chardell
Science & Tech
The Military Wants to Understand Why You Believe What You Believe
What makes an idea like the Islamic State spread? The Pentagon wants to know. By Patrick Tucker
Ideas
If There Is ‘No Military Solution’ in Iraq, Where Is the Non-Military Solution?
Rather than reducing the motivations for joining ISIS, the U.S. military plan seems bound to add to them. By Sarah Chayes
Threats
Meet the Other Terror Group in Syria That Could Actually Threaten the US
The Khorasan group is collaborating with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni offshoot known for trying to slip bombs past airport security. By Tim Fernholz
Ideas
A New Plan: Make U.S. Foreign Policy Swifter, Stronger and More Agile
We propose a solution: completely reorganize the structure of how we conduct foreign policy in ‘fragile states’ such as Iraq. By Ronald E. Neumann, Dennis Blair and Eric Olson
Science & Tech
The Rise of the Islamic State Could Mean More Drones
The recent trend in less spending for drones just hit a big bump in the wake of the threat of Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria. By Patrick Tucker
Ideas
Why It’s OK for Obama To Ignore Military Advice
Presidents don’t always listen to their top military leaders when it comes to matters of national defense. And that’s not always a bad thing. By Lawrence Korb
Threats
Are We Downplaying the Risks of Homegrown Terrorism?
Since 9/11, Americans radicalized in the U.S. have been most lethal. So why isn't there more debate about the risk of blowback from the war on ISIL? By Robert Wright
Policy
How to Defeat the Islamic State, According to Ted Cruz
The senator’s brand of national security is more steeped in dangerous, pandering rhetoric than actual military advice. By Peter Beinart
Policy
Senate Approves Obama's Mission To Train Syrian Rebels
In its last pre-election move, Congress sends the president a bill to arm and train properly vetted members of the Syrian opposition. By Michael Catalini and Sarah Mimms
Threats
NSA Says Intelligence on the Islamic State Could Have Been 'Stronger'
The nation’s top spies account for faulty intelligence in Iraq and warn that ‘it could get bad.’ By Patrick Tucker
Threats
The Constitution Is More Than Just an Obstacle To Fighting ISIL
President Obama doesn't want to ask Congress to declare a war. Congress doesn't seem interested in fighting back. But the law demands otherwise. By Garrett Epps
Threats
House Approves Measure To Arm and Train Syrian Rebels
Anti-Islamic State language split both parties, but now the funding bill now heads to the Senate. By Billy House
Threats
Air Power Alone Can't Defeat the Islamic State
Air strikes might defeat the Islamic State, but does the U.S. have the capacity to leave behind stable institutions without a massive deployment of troops and cash? By Tim Fernholz
Policy
New Lawmakers Agonize Over Their First War Vote
For newer members of Congress, a vote to authorize training Syrian rebels will be their first time weighing military action. By Billy House
Threats
Petraeus, Crocker Support Plan To Arm and Train Syrian Rebels
In a letter to Congress, the former ‘dream team’ of the Iraq War is backing a plan to train and equip Syrian rebels. By Ben Watson
Ideas
Fight the Islamic State in Iraq? Sure. In Syria? Not So Much
There’s consensus in Washington about fighting the Islamic State in Iraq, but when it comes to Syria, things get messy. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
Dempsey Says US Ground Forces Possible If Coalition Strategy Fails
Top military advisors give the president their best advice based on the situation on the ground. That may mean ‘no boots on the ground’ complicates things. By Molly O’Toole
Threats