Policy
Obama: ISIS Can Be Pushed Back With ‘Effective Partner’ on the Ground
The president said the US will continue to bomb targets and train Iraqi forces to fight what France’s defense minister says has become a 'terrorist army.'
Threats
Why the Obama Administration Changed Its Hostage Policy
A candid explanation from Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes at the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Policy
Obama Names New Envoy to Close Guantanamo
The State Department is bringing in a White House legal veteran with deep Democratic ties as part of its latest push to close its detention facility in Cuba.
Policy
Obama to Families of American Hostages: 'We Will Stand By You'
The president announced Wednesday that the government will no longer threaten prosecution for families who try to pay ransom to hostage-takers.
Policy
Jeb Bush Enters 2016 Race, Keeping National Security at a Distance
Bush announced his candidacy with a promise to be the optimistic candidate of ‘Today and Tomorrow’ — and no word on his father’s and brother’s wars in the Middle East.
Science & Tech
White House Orders Agencies To Beef Up Cyber Defenses 'Immediately'
In the wake of a devastating hack on OPM, the Obama administration is directing agencies to lock down government systems.
Policy
Obama on Iraq Troop Training: 'We Don’t Yet Have A Complete Strategy'
The president said in a press conference from the G-7 meeting Monday that the Pentagon is still waiting on 'commitments' from the Iraqi government.
Business
What the White House Hates About the Senate Defense Policy Bill
It’s not just that sequestration lives on like a vampire; the Obama administration also objects to McCain’s acquisition reform proposals and more.
Policy
The White House's Game Plan for Iraq: Run Out the Clock
The administration's messaging on its Iraq strategy has basically been: No ground troops—at least until 2016—so stop asking.
Policy
Exasperated White House Pushes Senate To Pass Surveillance Reform Bill
Without naming Rand Paul, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest faulted the Kentucky Republican for holding up legislation.
Policy
What President Obama Thinks on Iraq, Iran and Israel
Obama speaks about the state of U.S. policy in the Middle East in a wide ranging interview with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg.
Threats
A New Turkish-Saudi Thaw is Helping Rebels in Syria and Worrying Washington
Turkey and Saudi Arabia are finally working together to fight terrorism, and that’s good and bad news to the Obama administration.
Business
Obama Scales Back Military Equipment Sharing for Cops
After seeing how police responded to protests in Baltimore and Ferguson, the administration is changing the gear the Pentagon will share with local cops.
Threats
Obama, Gulf Allies Enter 'New Era' of Arab Defense
The president committed the U.S. to defend regional governments worried about America's engagement with Iran.
Policy
House Passes Amendment Requiring Obama To Pick a Hostage Coordinator
As the White House continues to review its policies concerning kidnapped U.S. citizens, the House may force its hand.
Ideas
The Best Way To Save Obama's Camp David Summit
U.S. and Arab leaders can launch a framework for security cooperation easily enough, but enduring success will require deeper thinking.
Policy
Jeb Bush Bets Voters Care More About Obama’s Iraq Than His Brother’s
With the U.S. public again finding its appetite for intervention, the real question facing Jeb Bush for 2016 is: What would you do about Iraq now?
Policy
Pentagon’s Budget, Middle East Summit Add Up to A Big Week in Washington
The House and Senate take up their respective defense authorization bills while the White House welcomes Gulf leaders for a two-day summit at Camp David.
Threats
35 Years On, It’s Time to Extend the Carter Doctrine
The upcoming Camp David summit may produce a long-sought framework for security in the Middle East.
Business