Policy

Do the Democrats Have a Strategy Against ISIS?

In the next presidential debates, Democrats should try laying out a plan to defeat the terrorist group instead of changing the subject or issuing vague platitudes.

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.

Policy

White House Delays Plan to Close Guantanamo, Again

The long-awaited plan, due this past week, has been delayed indefinitely.

Policy

Pentagon Transfers 5 Guantanamo Detainees to the UAE as Battle Over Closure Heats Up

Days ahead of signing a legislative freeze on Guantanamo into law, the president defiantly moves five from Cuba.

Policy

Intelligence Whistleblowers Need More Protection, Advocate Group Argues

A new report criticizes the White House for its heavy use of the 1917 Espionage Act amid complaints of retaliation against whistleblowers in the Defense and Justice Departments.

Policy

Facing Divisions at Home and Wars Abroad, Obama May Go It Alone for His Final Stretch

On Guantanamo and other issues, the president has to decide whether he will let Congress stand in his way.

Policy

Fate of Defense Authorization Bill Looks Favorable Second Time Around

The Senate overwhelmingly passed the NDAA, sending it to Obama’s desk, where he’s expected to sign it into law.

Policy

Defense Employees Favored Carson, at Least Until West Point Flap

A survey of U.S. defense workers showed favoritism for the current GOP 2016 frontrunner, but that was before one of his biggest gaffes yet.

Policy

George H.W. Bush Settles Old Scores With Cheney and Rumsfeld

The 41st president’s comments criticizing two of his son’s closest advisers on the Iraq war are rooted in tensions dating back to the Ford administration.

Policy

White House Won’t Rule Out Vetoing Defense Authorization Bill (Again) Over Guantanamo

New NDAA, same old showdown over Guantanamo.

Business

Here’s Obama’s IT Security To-Do List For Preventing the Next OPM Hack

An ambitious long-term framework to strengthen federal cybersecurity brings a waterfall of near-term deadlines for agency officials carrying out the new plan.

Policy

Budget Deal Is A Big Win for Pentagon

Even though it’s only a two-year agreement, the budget deal passed by Congress and the White House will get the Pentagon past the worst of the spending caps.

Threats

Bye-Bye ‘No Boots on the Ground’: US to Send Special Ops Troops to Syria

After months of looking at new options, the White House will send in ground forces.

Threats

Obama Vetoes Defense Policy Bill; Now What?

A partisan proxy war escalates as Obama fulfills his vow to send the annual defense policy bill back to lawmakers.

Business

Obama Vetoes Bill Affecting Troop Pay and Benefits

The legislation includes a 1.3 percent pay raise in 2016 for service members and changes to the military retirement system.

Policy

America’s Longest War Just Got Longer: Obama Extends Afghanistan Mission

Obama halts Afghanistan withdrawal with plans to keep 9,800 troops there through 2016.

Policy

Lawmakers' Defense Spending Agreement Ignores Obama on War Fund, Guantanamo

House and Senate members agreed to military personnel and acquisition reforms, yet set up a showdown over the offshore prison and wartime supplemental funding.

Ideas

Obama Needs an ISIS War Czar Before It’s Too Late

Obama’s ISIS fight looks more like Iraq in 2003 than in 2007, when military and civilian leaders were synced hip-to-hip.