Threats
Obama Says the North Korea Hack Was ‘Cybervandalism,’ Not Cyber War
President Obama calls the Sony hack a reminder to do a lot more to guard against them.’ By Allen McDuffee
Ideas
Is Obama’s ‘Iraq First’ Strategy Working Against ISIS?
The Obama administration believes it can tackle problems in Iraq first, then Syria, but will that make things better or worse down the road? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
America Is Learning the Hard Way How To Respond to Cyber Threats
The Obama administration's caution in responding to the alleged North Korean hack on Sony Pictures illuminates the boundaries of national cyber security policy. By Adam Segal
Policy
Why US Policy Toward Cuba Was 'Self-Defeating'
After 50 years of trying one thing, and seeing that thing fail, and fail again, it was about time that the United States try something else. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Threats
How Pope Francis Helped Broker the US-Cuba Deal
The leader of Catholic Church was a crucial figure in brokering the landmark deal between the United States and Cuba. By Adam Chandler
Policy
Obama Restores Diplomatic Ties With Cuba After More Than 50 Years
President Obama swaps prisoners with Cuba and changes the course of history. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
Despite Torture Report, Obama Is Standing By the CIA
President Obama is showing solidarity with the CIA even as it deals with the fallout of the release of the Senate’s torture report. By James Oliphant
Policy
On the CIA Torture Report, Obama Can't Win
As the world braces for its long-awaited release, Obama is doing everything he can to avoid taking sides. By Lauren Fox and Dustin Volz
Business
Obama Brings Ash Carter Back To Lead the Pentagon
The former Pentagon No. 2 vows to give President Obama his ‘most candid military advice.’ By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Hagel Says the Decision To Leave the Pentagon Was Mutual
But the outgoing defense secretary reveals little about why the White House forced him out. By Gordon Lubold
Threats
Obama Expected To Pick Ash Carter, Says Report
President Obama reportedly will nominate former Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to helm the Pentagon. By Gordon Lubold
Business
Veterans and Troops Lament Losing Advocate in Hagel
Troops and veterans say they lost an advocate and sympathetic ear in Hagel. By Gordon Lubold
Policy
Hagel: The Easiest Man To Throw Overboard
In Obama’s national security team, Chuch Hagel was always the likeliest sacrificial offering. By Steve LeVine
Policy
What Rand Paul Gets By Declaring War Against ISIS
By declaring war against the Islamic State, he's also picking a legal battle with the White House. By Emma Roller
Threats
Hagel's Rise and Fall Had Nothing To Do With Foreign Policy
The defense secretary's role is not to set a course, but to execute it. Hagel never did that well. By Peter Beinart
Policy
The Battle Over Hagel’s Replacement For Defense Secretary Has Already Begun in Congress
Republican leaders cast Hagel’s fall as Obama’s fault, warning the White House to send a nominee they can confirm. By Molly O’Toole
Business
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Is Resigning
The defense secretary is leaving the top post at the Pentagon after less than two years in office. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Obama Orders Expanded US Role in Afghanistan
Caught between the Pentagon's demands, a promise to end a war, and the fallout in Iraq, President Obama is allowing the military to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan next year. By Allen McDuffee
Science & Tech