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

Can Obama Change His Mind on Syria?

The presidency has always been one where decisive action and leadership has been admired. So how should the administration's stuttering Syria policy be judged? By Charlie Cook

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

Ideas

How the 'War on Terror' Changed the Way We Go to War

The irregular nature of the past decade of warfare has emboldened presidents to order military action in other nations. Now Congress is saying, ‘Not so fast.’ By Stephanie Gaskell

Science & Tech

How Social Media Helps Make the Case for War with Syria

The Obama administration is relying heavily on social media reports of chemical attacks to bolster its case for a military strike against Syria. By Michael Hirsh

Science & Tech

Why the U.S. Should Use Cyber Weapons Against Syria

The crisis in Syria is a good opportunity to show that U.S. cyber weapons can be used effectively (and ethically) on the battlefield. By Jason Healey

Ideas

Only a ‘Painful’ Strike Will Stop Syria from Using Chemical Weapons Again

The father of the U.N.-backed Responsibility to Protect doctrine says military action against Syria is justified under the principles it lays out. By Kedar Pavgi

Business

Military Strike Against Syria Could Cost More Than $600 Million

The cost of a possible strike against Syria comes amid steep budget cuts at the Pentagon. By Defense One Staff

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

Post-Iraq Invasion Congress Members Demand a Vote on Syria

It's the members who joined Congress after the 2003 invasion of Iraq who are being the most vocal on demanding for a vote before any U.S. military action in Syria. By Shane Goldmacher

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

Ideas

Drones, Spying, Iraq and the Case Against Military Action in Syria

When it comes to building a case for a strike against Syria, America’s credibility on drones, spying and the invasion of Iraq may get in the way. By Michael Hirsh

Threats

Obama: Strike Against Syria Would Be a 'Shot Across the Bow'

President Obama said a internationally backed military strike against Syria would punish the regime for using chemical weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

The Many Challenges of Building an International Military Coalition

Coordinating several militaries with different budgets, capabilities and goals to carry out a strike against Syria isn’t easy. By Kathleen J. McInnis

Policy

Congress Urges Obama to Make His Case Before Striking Syria

Several members of Congress are reminding President Obama of his obligation to consult with Congress before authorizing military action in Syria. By Michael Catalini

Ideas

Prospect of War in Syria Rattles Emerging Markets

With Wall Street on edge over the looming military strike against Syria, investors in emerging markets like Turkey and India are rushing for gold and U.S. currencies. By Matt Phillips

Threats

Not Yet! U.S. Still Determining Syria Attack Objectives

Obama administration officials are still trying to decide what objective they want to achieve with an attack on Syria, fearing additional chemical weapons use. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

Pentagon’s Syria Response Reveals Limits of Prized Cyber, Drone Arsenal

Here’s why the 'clarity' of a 20th century cruise missile strike likely will trump the 'sophistication' of the Pentagon’s 21st century drones and cyber-weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Syria: Mission Impossible?

President Obama is deciding whether to launch a military strike against Syria. The problem is, there may be no good way do it. By Michael Hirsh