Ideas
The Diplomat-in-Chief Hits a National Security Trifecta
If Barack Obama were a Republican, Congress would have already named an airport after him.
Policy
US Touts Diplomacy, Hits Iran with New Sanctions
Despite the high-profile diplomatic moves, the president said 'profound differences' continue to separate Washington and Tehran.
Ideas
Obama Is About To Launch A New Nuclear Arms Race. There’s a Better Way.
Despite his anti-nuclear words, the president is about to cave to the nuclear arms priesthood.
Policy
GOP Candidates Try to Scare the Hell Out of America
In Thursday's debate, candidates exploited the nation’s anxieties over national security and Obama.
Ideas
Obama's Legacy: Limited Force, Limited Influence, Lingering Questions of What America Should Be
Obama’s long-view for the Middle East stands little chance of playing out as Americans — and events — cry for the U.S. to do more.
Policy
In Final State of the Union, Obama Fights the Fear that Threatens His Legacy
'I know this is a dangerous time. But that’s not because of diminished American strength or some looming superpower,' the president assured the nation Tuesday.
Policy
Annotated: President Obama’s 2016 State of the Union Address
A complete transcript of the president's speech from Tuesday night—with an eye on what lies ahead in U.S. national security. Click the yellow highlights for notes, thoughts, charts and links.
Business
Here’s What America’s Longest-Serving General Most Fears
Gen. John Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, goes “over the side for the last time” with 45 years of perspective on U.S. war-fighting and its future.
Policy
Obama Prepares a 'Nontraditional' State of the Union Address
The chamber will push a pair of foreign policy bills as President Obama delivers his State of the Union address and Republicans prepare for their retreat.
Defense Systems
White House promotes whole-of-nation cyber deterrence strategy
In a much anticipated release, the White House finally provided congressional committees with its plan for protecting IT systems and infrastructure.
Ideas
Obama Says His ISIS Strategy Is Working Better Than His Attempts to Explain It
The president blames for messaging for public opposition, but there may be more to the story.
Ideas
What Is America Fighting For?
The United States has been at war with ISIS for more than a year. But you cannot beat a surging ideology without a higher sense of purpose.
Threats
Obama: ISIS Losing Territory, Influence As US Troops Push South in Syria
Speaking at the Pentagon, the president says an expanded war effort — ordered before the Paris attack — is ‘well underway.’
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.
Threats
Obama's Dog Whistle on Encryption
By linking encryption with terrorism, the president seemed to hint at a policy shift.
Policy
In Syria, Obama Treads a Well-Worn Path From ‘No Boots’ to Intervention
Here’s the recipe: downplay a U.S. military commitment, increase that commitment, deny breaking pledges to keep out.
Policy
Obama Quietly Signs Guantanamo Freeze Into Law — But Hints at Executive Action
The president gave the defense authorization bill his signature, but rejected what he called unconstitutional restrictions on his push to close the U.S. military prison in Cuba.
Threats
ISIS Will Remain a 'Serious Threat for Some Time to Come,' Obama Says
And a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to yield any change in Moscow's support for the Assad regime in Damascus.
Policy
Why Obama Is Standing by the Syrian Refugees
The president isn’t speaking to his opponents—he’s talking to history.
Ideas