Science & Tech
Could Cop Cams Have Prevented the Rise of the Islamic State?
The founder of Taser discusses the evolution of his company and its military future. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
Airstrikes Not Enough to Defeat ISIL, Hagel Says
Defense Secretary Hagel said the U.S. would continue to attack the Islamic State and keep all options open, but the Pentagon is looking for greater regional support and nonmilitary means. By Kevin Baron
Policy
GOP Hawks Come Out in Force Against Obama's 'Limited' Iraq Airstrikes
Senator John McCain and Texas governor Rick Perry are among the Republicans saying Obama is simply too soft on the Islamic State. By Russell Berman
Threats
Why America Should Declare War on the Islamic State
Obama's response to the terrorists of the Islamic State has been reactive and piecemeal so far. That must change. By James Kitfield
Threats
U.S. Military Tried to Rescue Foley; Obama Defies Threats With New Iraq Airstrikes
Obama defies the Islamic State's threats to kill more journalists as U.S. hit Iraq with more airstrikes and possibly 300 more troops. By Ben Watson
Policy
What Isolationists? Poll Finds Americans Like Air Strikes
The latest poll from the Pew Research Center finds an American public shifting its tone on intervention, much like the 1999 strikes against Serbia once did. By James M. Lindsay
Threats
When Fleeing War Is Illegal
Palestinians escaping Syria are being turned away by neighboring states, much like Iraq's Palestinians shortly after 2003. But relief today doesn't look like it did then. By Alice Su
Threats
What Makes a Pope Sign Off on War Today?
The pope on Monday endorsed use of force in Iraq to protect minorities. But he had one key caution in the name of preventing U.S. airstrikes from escalating into a broader conflict. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
U.S. Escalates Iraq Campaign With Barrage of Weekend Strikes for Mosul Dam
American jets, bombers and drones helped the Peshmerga wrestle back control of Iraq's largest dam from Islamic militants. Kurds say the Ninevah plains are next. By Ben Watson
Policy
Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki Agrees To Step Down
The writing was on the wall and embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki knew it. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Australia Joins Assistance Mission for Remaining 4,000 Iraqi Refugees
Cargo planes from the U.S., U.K. and now Australia are all taking turns keeping alive the remaining Iraqi civilians isolated on a mountaintop. By Bob Brewin
Threats
Obama Says Situation in Northern Iraq Now 'Greatly Improved'
While thousands of refugees are now safe, the larger concern about the rest of Iraq's security remains a dire and open question. By Matt Berman
Ideas
How Money Warps U.S. Foreign Policy
America's foreign policy is more elitist and insulated from public opinion than it has been in decades. And that’s a real problem for American democracy. By Peter Beinart
Threats
Nouri al-Maliki’s Tenure as Iraq’s Prime Minister in 5 Charts
Iraq's recent rise in violence against civilians bookends the outgoing prime minister’s time in charge. By Jason Karaian
Business
Civilians in Iraq to Get Higher Premium Pay
U.S. civilians working on stabilization efforts in Iraq can now earn more for overtime, nights and weekend work through the end of the year. By Kellie Lunney
Ideas
Is Peace in Gaza Unrealistic?
The violence in Gaza has only empowered radicals. By Mohammad S. Dajani Daoudi
Threats
The Ancient Roots of the Yazidis, and Why ISIL Wants Them Dead
A look at the difficult history of the religious minority Obama authorized American troops and airstrikes to protect. By Emma Green
Threats
A Short History of the Barbaric Terrorists of the Islamic State
How the Islamic State digressed from a Jordanian man's fantasy to an entire region's nightmare. By Bobby Ghosh
Threats
Mission Creep? U.S. Has Nearly 1,000 Troops in Iraq Now
The Pentagon just added nearly 130 new advisors to northern Iraq, elevating the exposure of U.S. troops to the risks of violence on Iraq’s new battleground. By Ben Watson
Threats