Ideas

Chart: The Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria vs. Previous Military Campaigns

Critics say the Obama administration isn’t dropping enough bombs on ISIS. Here's how Inherent Resolve stacks up against previous operations.

Threats

What the US Should Do About ISIS Now

More than a dozen experts and scholars weigh in on how the U.S. should regroup as the coalition nears the end of its first year of fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

Policy

The Syrian War in Numbers, 4 Years On

After 51 months of fighting, the death toll is more than 230,000 Syrians, including some 14,000 children and 30,000 opposition fighters.

Threats

ISIS Is Using Tunnel Bombs in Iraq

Updating an ancient tactic, Islamic State militants — as well as rebels in Syria — are digging virtually undetectable tunnels, then planting bombs to blow up buildings and other targets.

Threats

This Is How Little the US-Led Air War Against ISIS Has Achieved

The U.S.-led coalition has carried out nearly 3,800 airstrikes since August, but that's led to few gains for an Iraqi military that has a long way to go before it can hold territory.

Policy

Why Won't the GOP Declare War on ISIS?

Republican presidential candidates delight in slamming Obama's strategy, but won't vote on legislation to define the scope of the struggle.

Threats

US Special Ops Troops Kill ISIS Leader in Syria Raid

The mission appears to be the first offensive action by U.S. ground troops in Syria as part of the campaign against ISIS.

Threats

General Says ISIS Is on the Defensive Amid Contrary Reports

ISIS militants have captured more buildings in central Iraqi city of Ramadi, but the Pentagon says the group is on the defensive due to its change in fighting style.

Threats

What Have 9 Months of Airstrikes Against ISIS Achieved?

There’s no end in sight for an air campaign that has killed some 8,500 militants and cost more than $2 billion.

Threats

U.S. Starts Training Moderate Syrian Rebels

The U.S. military will help Syrian rebel forces fight ISIS, but what happens if they come across military loyal to Bashar al-Assad?

Threats

The 5,548 ISIS Targets Struck By Coalition Air Forces, in 3 Charts

The Pentagon’s latest data release finally includes airplanes that were destroyed in fall 2014.

Threats

In Syria, Today's 'Lost Generation' Could Be Tomorrow's Militants

Half of the country's children are not in school, sowing instability for another generation.

Threats

The Specter of Chemical Warfare Returns to the Middle East

Assad's army dropped chlorine gas on a northern Syrian town, say activists, while Kurdish forces allege ISIS use of the same weapon against them near Mosul.

Threats

There Is No Global Jihadist ‘Movement’

The world of Islamist fighters is deeply fragmented and constantly shifting.

Policy

Why Obama's ISIS War Powers Request Is Going Nowhere

A month after the White House released a new draft to authorize military force against the Islamic State, the measure hasn't gained support in either chamber or party.

Threats

Why Are Foreign Fighters Joining ISIS?

Foreign fighters participate in some of ISIS' 'worst acts,' but there isn't one clear explanation on why they join the battle in the first place.

Threats

Why Americans Are as Divided About ISIS as They Are About Everything

America is bitterly divided over the threat of Islamic extremism partly because we are now bitterly divided over almost everything.

Threats

John Allen: ISIS Losing, But Iraq Still Isn't Ready To Win

Iraq’s government may not be ready to handle what happens when it defeats ISIS.

Threats

An Anti-ISIS Summit in Mecca

A little-noticed conference in Mecca on 'Islam and Counterterrorism' offers a counterpoint to the Obama administration's narrative on how to defeat ISIS.