Threats

Inside the U.S. Push to Keep Kurdish Oil Under Baghdad's Watch

American diplomatic muscle has kept 1 million barrels of Kurdistan's oil stuck at sea. But will it last? By Steve LeVine

Policy

Republicans Want to Mandate a Vote on the Iran Nuclear Deal

A group of senators said late Wednesday that sanctions would be automatically reimposed if the White House does not consult Congress. By Clara Ritger

Policy

What Egypt Stands to Win From the Gaza Conflict

Egypt just might be the last best hope for a cease-fire in Gaza. By Keveh Waddell

Threats

Ignoring Syria in Favor of Everything Else

Conflict after conflict has stolen the spotlight from Syria's bloody civil war. Do Syrian deaths no longer matter? By Jeffrey Goldberg

Threats

ISIL Is Now a ‘Full Blown Army’ in Iraq

House lawmakers grilled State and Pentagon officials to find out why the Obama administration has failed to stop ISIL from carving up Iraq and Syria. By Ben Watson

Threats

ISIL Is Winning the Battle Against Al-Qaeda for Young Terrorist Recruits

ISIL is quickly picking up new supporters by using social media to showcase its territorial gains across Iraq and Syria. By Global Security Newswire

Threats

FAA Warns Airlines of Rocket Threat at Israeli Airport

All U.S. flights to and from Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport were cancelled after a rocket landed within a mile of the facilities on Tuesday. By Brian Resnick

Threats

Surge in Western Fighters to Iraq and Syria Continues to Grow

The number of foreign fighters flocking to the battlefields of Syria and Iraq have increased by a third since February, and looks poised to keep growing. By Global Security Newswire

Science & Tech

This Scientist Explains Why Israel's Iron Dome Is Overrated

Want to stay alive in Israel? Forget Iron Dome and check your phone. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

The Gaza Ground War Doesn't Look Like It Will End Any Time Soon

Israel's sixth Gaza offensive in 8 years kicked off Thursday. And there are no indications that it's part of any broader strategic plan for peace. By Tim Fernholz

Threats

Israel Invades Gaza After Hamas Refuses To Yield

Israel sends ground forces into Gaza to stop rocket attacks, military officials said, after Palestinians ignore repeated warnings to cease fire. By Kevin Baron

Ideas

You Can’t Fight Terrorists By Partnering With Guys Like Maliki

The U.S. needs to choose better counterterrorism partners than the likes of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. By Michael J. Quigley

Threats

ISIL and the Lesser Evil of Bashar al-Assad

As ISIL tears through Iraq, Syria's Assad has strengthened his alliances with Baghdad, Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. Could the U.S. be next? By Dominic Tierney

Ideas

When War Zones Become Travel Destinations

'People come here every day to see the show,' says one tourism agent who brings spectators to the Syrian border. By Debra Kamin

Threats

Iron Dome—Savior, or Sales Job?

A brief comparison of some of the ways Western media outlets have portrayed Israel's high-profile anti-rocket system. By James Fallows

Policy

Senate Defense Bill Doubles Obama’s Request for Israel’s Iron Dome

As rockets fly over Israel and Gaza, Congress is doubling its spending on Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

What Would Reagan Do In Iraq?

Rand Paul and Rick Perry each claim to be the Gipper’s heir in the Middle East. Who's right? By Peter Beinart

Threats

Why Hamas Chooses Rockets Over Nation Building

With the prospects for a two-state solution looking hopelessly dim, what does Hamas stand to gain by firing rockets at the civilians of its militarily powerful neighbor? By Jeffery Goldberg

Ideas

The One Thing the U.S. Can't Train the Iraqi Army To Do

The U.S. has trained the Iraqi military for years. But there’s one thing you can’t teach an army to do. By Lt. Gen. Robert Gard

Ideas

A Chance to Drive a Wedge Between Jihadists and Sunnis

ISIL’s overreach into Iraq is Washington’s opportunity to shift Sunni allegiances for good. By Dave Miller