Policy

When National Security and Nativism Collide

Three months ago, a photo of a drowned Syrian refugee toddler sobered the world. Now even Donald Trump’s Muslims ban hardly shocks it. How did we get here?

Ideas

The Challenge of Selling ‘Stay the Course’

Obama’s Pentagon photo op was meant to talk tough and say nothing new while convincing the public his plan is working.

Ideas

America’s Not Ready for Today’s Gray Wars

To defeat terrorists, we need to overhaul our military and other levers of government to tackle complex and shifting threats.

Threats

The Number of Foreign Fighters in Iraq and Syria Has Doubled

A study says up to 31,000 people from 80-plus countries have joined the Islamic State and other extremist groups.

Science & Tech

Kazakhstan's New Encryption Law Could Be a Preview of US Policy

The Central Asian country will require 'back doors' that will allow the government to surveil and censor Internet traffic.

Policy

On Terrorism, Obama's Break from Bush-Era Thinking Unsettles GOP

Republicans believe defeating ISIS requires some dramatic, if vaguely defined, new military and ideological battle. Obama, by contrast, thinks America simply needs to not screw up.

Business

Obama Administration to Announce New Terrorism Alert System

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the president will soon announce a new terrorism threat alert system to address what he called intermediate-level threats to the United States.

Threats

2015 Has Been a Record Year for Terrorist Arrests in the US

A new study paints a chilling picture of ISIL’s recruiting efforts.

Threats

US Seeks to Cut Off Another Route for Terrorist Travel

Lawmakers want to tighten the visa-waiver program to keep Islamic State militants out of the U.S.—and this time, they have the White House’s backing.

Threats

Darkness in the Arab Spring’s Brightest Spot

Tunisia declared a state of emergency on Tuesday after an explosion killed 12 presidential guards in the capital.

Science & Tech

Shutting Down Jihadist Websites Won't Stop Terrorism

Censoring the web won’t squelch radical voices — and it just might help terrorists achieve their aims.

Threats

The French Military Is Experiencing an 'Unprecedented' Recruiting Surge

And President Hollande just halted plans to shrink the force for at least three years..

Threats

Dozens Killed in Hotel Siege; Many More Rescued By Mali, French, US Special Forces

170 people were taken hostage in an attack jointly claimed by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the African jihadist group, al Mourabitoun.

Threats

Dozens Killed in Nigerian Market Bombing That Points to Boko Haram

A suicide bombing likely carried out by the Islamist group has killed nearly three-dozen people and wounded 80 more at a market near the border with Cameroon.

Ideas

Forget NATO; France Taps the EU in Its Fight Against ISIS

France could have triggered NATO's Article 5. Here's why Paris chose the EU's mutual defense clause instead.

Threats

Russia Is Now Hitting ISIS with 'Pinpoint' Strikes In Syria

The Russian president has scaled up the country’s air campaign against extremists as Moscow's naval forces ally with French warships attacking the Islamic State.

Science & Tech

Brennan: Paris Is A 'Wakeup Call' To Europe On Encryption

The ability to shield communications from anyone but the intended recipient via encryption and other digital means will now face unprecedented challenges.

Threats

Obama Defends ISIS War Plans, Says More US Troops A ‘Mistake’

The commander in chief defended his high bar for military intervention and contrasted tough talking ‘political games’ of his critics with his visits with wounded troops.

Threats

CIA Director: Paris Attacks Should Bring US, Russia Closer

In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, some high-profile unity is emerging among formerly tense geopolitical rivals.

Policy

Creating Terror Is Easier Than Fighting It

Obama’s critics are hard-pressed to explain how they would lead a war-weary public against ISIS.