Policy
7 Things You Need to Know About the Next Iraqi Prime Minister
A brief explainer on Haider al-Abidi, who was picked Monday to replace Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister of Iraq. By Kedar Pavgi
Threats
U.S. Air Strikes Are Having a Limited Effect on ISIL
After more than a dozen U.S. air strikes in northern Iraq, a top Pentagon official says ISIL is far from retreating. By Ben Watson
Policy
The 'It's About Oil' Theory in Iraq Is Still Inaccurate
The idea that the U.S. is only in the Middle East for oil may seem like a seductive idea -- but it's a deeply misguided one as well. By Steve LeVine
Threats
U.S. Air Strikes Continue in Iraq
President Obama says the crisis in Iraq will ‘take some time’ to solve, as the military conducts nearly a dozen targeted military strikes against ISIL. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
U.S. 'Failure' in Syria Led to Iraq Crisis, Clinton Says
The former Secretary of State blames President Obama’s inaction in Syria for the rise of ISIL in Iraq. By Jeffery Goldberg
Threats
Why ISIL Is Worse Than Al-Qaeda
Is ISIL the new al-Qaeda or are they like the Taliban? Are they more like Hezbollah or Boko Haram? Or Hamas? All of the above, and much more. By Bobby Ghosh
Ideas
Water Wars in Iraq and Around the World
It is the common ingredient in life and in war: water—the need for it and the desire to control it. By Tara Sonenshine
Threats
What Does Hamas Do Now?
In its war with Israel, the Palestinian group has accomplished none of its aims. By Hussein Ibish
Policy
Congress Is Divided Over the Way Forward in Iraq
There’s support on the Hill for military strikes, but many say President Obama needs a long-term strategy in Iraq. By Clara Ritger
Threats
America's Moral Obligations in Iraq
‘An entire religion is being exterminated from the face of the earth,’ one Iraqi lawmaker warns. By Peter Beinart
Ideas
Why Tommy Franks Isn’t Talking About Iraq
The former CENTCOM commander is staying on the sidelines when it comes to the worsening situation in Iraq. By Daniel Libit
Threats
These Are the Iraqi Communities That Fear ISIL the Most
As the Islamic State gains more ground in Iraq, several minority communities are terrified of genocide. By Bobby Ghosh
Threats
What Does Hamas Want?
Want to understand what the Muslim Brotherhood's Gaza branch wants? Study its theology, strategy, and history. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Policy
Senate Clears Funding for Israel's Iron Dome
The last-minute measure won unanimous support ahead of August's recess. By Michael Catalini
Threats
Why Israel Is Facing Down a Total War With Hamas
After the sudden collapse of Friday's cease-fire, we must consider what happens if this conflict comes off the rails. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Policy
The Trouble With Cease-Fire Agreements in War
The Israeli-Gaza conflict is testing the limits of the concept of a ‘cease-fire’ as a departure from hostilities. If we can’t 'hear' the total silence from the guns of August, is there any way out of the cycle of violence? By Tara Sonenshine
Threats
Will the Syrian Torture Photos Compel Congress to Act?
Just before the August recess, House lawmakers recoiled in horror at a Syrian defector's photos of more than 10,000 victims of Assad's bloody civil war. By Jordain Carney
Threats
Why Benjamin Netanyahu Should Be Very, Very Worried
Israel's future looks more vulnerable than at any point in the 21st century as demographic and social trends are complicating perceptions of the Gaza offensive. By Ron Fournier
Policy
Why Is Israel Losing a War It's Winning?
Five reasons why Israel is losing the battle of perception over its Gaza offensive, even as it wins the battle against rockets and tunnels. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Threats