Threats
30 Years Later: The Marines Barracks Bombing and the Birth of Hezbollah
Three spectacular attacks targeting U.S. interests in Lebanon, including the 1983 bombing of the Marines barracks in Beirut, introduced Hezbollah to the world. By Matthew Levitt
Policy
Are U.S.-Turkey Relations Fraying?
Between Turkey's decision to buy a Chinese missile defense system, and divergence on policy towards Syria, ties between Ankara and Washington are quickly chilling. By Bernard Gwertzman
Policy
Saudi Arabia Rejects U.N. Security Council Membership
Riyadh is frustrated by the Security Council's unwillingness to punish Bashar al-Assad for the alleged chemical weapons attack in August. By Global Security Newswire
Policy
Why Libya Is So Hard to Govern
Inter-group squabbling reigns as the country stalls on drafting its new constitution. By Jason Pack and Will Raynolds
Threats
Why America Has to Work With Syria's Islamist Rebels
Washington's policymakers need to put the affiliation of Syria's rebel groups in the context of local politics. By Shadi Hamid
Threats
Dempsey: Syria Is a ‘Long-Term Issue’
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey says the problems in Syria aren’t going to go away any time soon. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Syrian Rebels Are Rejecting U.S. Strategy
The new rebel alliance formed under al-Nusra is a no-confidence vote in U.S. leadership. By James Kitfield
Ideas
Obama’s 5 Rules for the Middle East
It may not be a strategy but at the United Nations on Tuesday, President Obama outlined his five 'core interests' for the United States in the Middle East and North Africa. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Arab States Reintroduce Measure Opposing Israel's Nuclear Weapons
The perennial measure calls upon Israel to implement nuclear security safeguards. Still, some are concerned the measure is being used to unnecessarily target Tel-Aviv. By Elaine Grossman
Policy
Republicans to Link Benghazi to Broader Foreign Policy Failures
GOP strategists want to make the case that the attack was indicative of an administration that has lost control. It'll be also used against Hillary Clinton if she runs in 2016. By Stacy Kaper
Threats
Hagel Dodged the Kerry Question Two Weeks Ago
What a difference a dodge makes. Hagel avoided the trap Kerry walked into, refusing to give Syria a say in U.S. decision making. By Kevin Baron
Threats
Defense One Guidebook: Who’s Who in Syria’s Opposition
A primer on Syrian rebel factions, their aims, and their history. By Defense One Staff
Policy
Qatar's New Leader is Quietly Supporting U.S. Strikes in Syria
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has been working--albeit quietly--towards mitigating the threat posed by regional power, Iran. By Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Jonathan Schanzer.
Policy
'Mass Chaos': Diplomats Warned Obama Syria Was Inevitable
For months, diplomats told the White House to get involved in Syria, or pay a greater price down the road. Well, here we are. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
Syrian Rebel Commander Idris Prepared to Testify to Congress
Supporters say they may bring Syria’s rebels leaders from the front lines to the witness tables of Capitol Hill, should Congress balk. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
Will Obama Resort to Appeasement in Syria?
Failure to receive approval from the legislature will only harken back to an era where dictators and despots were given free reign to terrorize. By Michael Hirsh
Threats
How Will Obama Keep Syria from Turning into Another Iraq?
White House promises of limited American action in Syria have so far failed to ease public concern. By David Rohde
Policy
War with Syria: The Intersection of Interests and Ideology
In the realm of foreign affairs, it’s rare that a cause unites hawkish interventionists and neoconservatives, realists and liberal internationalists. By James Kitfield
Threats
Will Attacking Syria Prevent More Chemical Weapons Attacks?
An inadequate response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria will only increase the risk that the world's most dangerous weapons will be used to commit further atrocities. By Daryl G. Kimball
Policy