Threats
Promises of Syrian Rebel Train-and-Equip Program Meet the Battlefield’s Realities
It will take months, if not years, to train and equip Syrian rebels. But on the battlefield, the clock is ticking. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Threats
Air Strikes Haven't Stopped ISIS From Moving On a Key Syrian City
The efficacy of the US-led airstrikes is under scrutiny as Islamic State fighters raise their flag over parts of the northern Syrian town of Kobani. By Adam Chandler
Ideas
Is the Islamic State a Terrorist Group or an Insurgency?
What’s happening in Iraq and Syria calls for a full-blown counterinsurgency – if the American people can stomach it. By Jerry Meyerle
Business
How To Determine the Success of Air Strikes in Syria
Targeting these 5 categories of an enemy's system can determine the success or failure of an air strike campaign like the US-led one in Syria today. By Col. Clint Hinote
Policy
Syria Says It Supports the Fight Against ISIL
The Syrian regime says fighting terrorism ‘is certainly possible through military strikes,’ but warns of a ‘double-standard policy’ on arming the rebels. By Ben Watson
Ideas
Q&A: Ryan Crocker on Iraq's Role in the Long War Against ISIL
The former ambassador says the Iraqi army is far from finished, but they'll need U.S. special forces with them to help take back provincial capitals like Ramadi. By Bernard Gwertzman
Science & Tech
This Site Tracks the Guns Going Into Syria
The movement of weapons into Syria and Iraq just became much more visible to the entire world. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
How American Precision Weapons Opened the Door to an Arab Coalition
For years, the U.S. sold Arab militaries precision-guided bombs for this very reason, while NATO stockpiles have lagged since Libya. By Marcus Weisgerber
Threats
Here’s a Map of Obama’s Coalition Against the Islamic State
Over 50 nations have joined the U.S. in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, but only five have taken major military action. By Kedar Pavgi
Threats
The Campaign Against ISIL Could Cost $1.5B a Month
Key questions remain concerning targets, transitions and how to fund a sustained campaign against ISIL. By Janine Davidson and Emerson Brooking
Policy
Congress Backs Strikes in Syria, But Emphasizes Allied Support
Congress members largely support air strikes in Syria, but urge President Obama to keep his allies in the fight. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Air Strikes in Syria Are ‘Only the Beginning’
President Obama says he’s willing to do what it takes to destroy Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria, drawing the U.S. back into war in the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
The Khorasan Group Was Planning an ‘Imminent Attack’ on the West
The U.S. has had the Khorasan Group on its radar for a while, even if few had heard of them until Monday night's air strikes. By Marina Koren
Threats
Obama Now Owns the Struggle of the Syrians
The president has built an international coalition against Syria -- but make no mistake, this is an American fight. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Science & Tech
F-22 Finally Makes Its Combat Debut Against Syria
Seven years after they were declared battle ready, the $370 million jet sees action. By Marcus Weisgerber
Threats
US Begins Air Strikes in Syria
A year after President Obama drew a red line over the use of chemical weapons, the U.S. military conducts air strikes in Syria. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Meet the Other Terror Group in Syria That Could Actually Threaten the US
The Khorasan group is collaborating with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni offshoot known for trying to slip bombs past airport security. By Tim Fernholz
Science & Tech
The Rise of the Islamic State Could Mean More Drones
The recent trend in less spending for drones just hit a big bump in the wake of the threat of Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria. By Patrick Tucker
Policy
Rand Paul Is Still Figuring Out His Middle East Policy
In a long speech on the Senate floor, the Kentucky Republican laid out a spotty foreign policy vision while taking swipes at members of his own party. By Rebecca Nelson
Threats