Science & Tech
Why a Precision Strike Won't Work in Syria
The Kosovo model for a precision strike against Syria ignores two important things - they're not always that precise and there's no guarantee that Assad will back down any time soon. By James Fallows
Policy
Obama: U.S. Influence in Syria is ‘Overstated’
In an exclusive interview with CNN, President Obama worries about getting involved in Syria, questions the future of U.S.-Egypt relations and suggests the NSA might need a public advocate. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
How Egypt Helps Assad
The U.S. is reluctant to get involved in Egypt - and Syrian President Bashir Assad knows it. By Michael Hirsh
Threats
With or Without U.S. Intervention, Syria Will Become Iraq
Old line in Washington: Syria will be another Iraq if the U.S. military gets involved. New line: Syria will become another Iraq if they don’t. By Kevin Baron
Threats
A Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria May Have Killed Hundreds
Specific details about the incident are currently unknown, but the attack could be one of the war's deadliest to date. By Dashiell Bennett
Ideas
Once an Iraqi Interpreter, Now an American Soldier
The American dream -- and the fear of post-war Baghdad -- has led tens of thousands of Iraqi refugees to the U.S. For one former interpreter to the U.S. military, the only way to stay was to join up.
Ideas
Whispers in the Ranks that Iraq Has Turned Obama Isolationist to a Fault
Some in Obama’s diplomatic corps fear the president has “learned all the wrong things from Iraq” -- a deadly lesson for Syria’s rebels. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Threats
Hagel Admits U.S. Influence in Egypt Is ‘Limited’
In his first public remarks about the violence in Egypt, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says “it will be their responsibility to sort this out.” By Kevin Baron
Threats
The Arab World Is on the Brink of Radicalizing
The violence in Egypt only underlines the threat faced by governments being overrun by religious extremism. By Michael Hirsh
Policy
Egypt's Military Cracks Down on Protesters
The army began breaking up protests staged by supporters of former President Mohammad Morsi. Unconfirmed reports from Cairo are suggesting a high death toll so far. By Dashiell Bennett
Ideas
Obama's Embassy Closures Just 'Free Advertising' for Al Qaeda
Obama's disjointed response to terrorism has left the U.S. in a 'defensive crouch'. Closing embassies so far from Yemen, however, was little more than 'free advertising' for Al Qaeda. By Joshua Foust
Ideas
How to Save the Middle East from Nuclear War
No region is in greater need of banning nuclear weapons than the conflict-cursed Middle East. Here’s my plan to get it started. By Prince Turki Al Faisal
Threats
Top U.S. Marine Amos on Yemen: ‘I Don’t Know How It’s Going to Turn Out’
In an exclusive interview, Marine Corps Gen. James Amos said he is concerned Yemen is becoming 'a breeding ground' for al Qaeda -- and he doesn’t know what to expect next. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Interview with Ryan Crocker: Assad will Prevail 'Yard by Bloody Yard'
America’s premier diplomat would intervene in Syria if President Obama asked, even though it probably wouldn’t do much good. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Worldwide Travel Alert Issued for Al Qaeda Threat
State Department issues advisories, plans to close embassies on Sunday in response to unspecified threat. By Sara Sorcher
Threats
Iraq’s Descent Into Madness, With No Americans in Sight
Prison breaks, car bombs and cozying up to Iran? This is not what was supposed to happen. By Joshua Foust
Threats
U.S. Envoy Questions Middle East Verve for WMD-Free Zone
In interview, State Department's Thomas Countryman says that Egypt's work on the issue is "theatrics." By Elaine Grossman
Threats
The Rise of Al-Qaeda 2.0
The terrorism network is now diffuse and lacks a coherent center, but it is still just as deadly. By Frud Bezhan
Policy
But Is It a Coup? Obama Reconsiders Military Aid to Egypt
The Pentagon delays the shipment of F-16s to Egypt as Obama decides whether Morsi’s ouster was a military coup or not. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy