Threats
How American Precision Weapons Opened the Door to an Arab Coalition
For years, the U.S. sold Arab militaries precision-guided bombs for this very reason, while NATO stockpiles have lagged since Libya. By Marcus Weisgerber
Ideas
Obama Should Be Pressuring, Not Legitimizing, Bahrain
After several snubs, letting Bahrain’s tiny Air Force in on the ISIL air strikes is a missed opportunity to change the ways of a shaky ally. By Brian Dooley
Policy
Iran Says the West Should Step Aside in the Fight Against ISIL
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says he believes 'the right solution to this quandary comes from within the region.' By Kaveh Waddell
Threats
Here’s a Map of Obama’s Coalition Against the Islamic State
Over 50 nations have joined the U.S. in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, but only five have taken major military action. By Kedar Pavgi
Threats
The Campaign Against ISIL Could Cost $1.5B a Month
Key questions remain concerning targets, transitions and how to fund a sustained campaign against ISIL. By Janine Davidson and Emerson Brooking
Threats
Air Strikes in Syria Are ‘Only the Beginning’
President Obama says he’s willing to do what it takes to destroy Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria, drawing the U.S. back into war in the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
The Khorasan Group Was Planning an ‘Imminent Attack’ on the West
The U.S. has had the Khorasan Group on its radar for a while, even if few had heard of them until Monday night's air strikes. By Marina Koren
Threats
Obama Now Owns the Struggle of the Syrians
The president has built an international coalition against Syria -- but make no mistake, this is an American fight. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Science & Tech
F-22 Finally Makes Its Combat Debut Against Syria
Seven years after they were declared battle ready, the $370 million jet sees action. By Marcus Weisgerber
Threats
US Begins Air Strikes in Syria
A year after President Obama drew a red line over the use of chemical weapons, the U.S. military conducts air strikes in Syria. By Stephanie Gaskell
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