Policy

Pentagon and Hill Officials Say They’re Still in the Dark On Obama's New War Powers

When and how will a new authorization for the use of military force against ISIS get drafted? By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

Does America Really Need To Be the Leader of the Free World?

An MIT professor and a war veteran discuss whether the U.S. should respond to every crisis that pops up across the globe. By Scott Beauchamp

Policy

How Has President Obama's National Security Council Performed?

A new book from a foreign policy expert grades the administration on everything from its response to the crises in the Middle East, to its policymaking process. By Jeffrey Goldberg

Ideas

Look Deeper, The Asia Pivot Isn’t Dead

The administration would do well to promote the U.S. government’s real work being done in Asia beyond ceremonies. By John R. Deni

Policy

Joe Biden Says the US and Israel Are Friends. And Sometimes Friends Fight

The vice president sought to smooth over U.S.-Israeli relations Monday in an address to the Jewish Federations of North America. By Lauren Fox

Policy

Stung at Home, Obama Embarks on His Longest Foreign Trip

The president will spend 10 days in Asia, where leaders know all about his domestic political weakness. By George Condon Jr.

Policy

In Foreign Policy Debates Ahead, Look to Echoes of 2006

The 2006 midterm elections were a disaster for Bush, but also a chance to shake things up. Will 2014 follow the same script? By Janine Davidson and Emerson Brooking

Threats

Obama Doubles Number of Troops for Iraq Mission to 3,000

The Obama administration is reevaluating the operation against ISIL in Iraq, where months of air strikes there and in neighboring Syria have seen little effect. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

3 Ways Obama Expanded War Powers Well Beyond George W. Bush

Here are three precedents set by the Obama administration that make it even easier to use lethal force abroad without congressional approval. By Conor Friedersdorf

Policy

Obama To Ask Congress for New War Powers To Fight ISIS

After insisting for months he had sufficient authority to fight ISIS, Obama on Wednesday announced he will ask Congress for a new AUMF. By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

US Foreign Policy, Viewed from the Middle East

Washington's apparent moves toward containment are puzzling America's already tense Middle Eastern allies. By Elliott Abrams

Ideas

Who Controls Foreign Policy – the President or Congress?

A Supreme Court case over passports for people born in Jerusalem could have a surprisingly big effect on the balance of power in the United States. By Garrett Epps

Policy

Susan Rice: There's No Crisis in U.S.-Israel Relations

The national security advisor responds to reports that the U.S. relationship with Israel is at an all-time low. By Kathy Gilsinan

Policy

How Republicans Got Their Groove Back on National Security

After the Iraq War, Democrats were suddenly the party Americans trusted to protect them. This midterm election suggests that’s over. By Noah Gordon

Policy

Obama Wants His Staff To Be More 'Hands On' in National Security Crises

From domestic politics to foreign policy, Obama and his aides frequently appear overtaken or overwhelmed by events. By James Oliphant

Policy

Rick Perry Sharpens His National Security Edge Over GOP Rivals

The Texas governor recently made significant progress establishing his credentials in a surprising area: foreign policy. By David Frum

Ideas

Should America Protect Itself Through Bridges or Barricades?

President Obama's response to global challenges stresses coalition-building over unilateralism. By Ronald Brownstein

Science & Tech

Could Selfies Replace Passwords?

Obama's cyber chief wants to strengthen log-in credentials, and that may mean ditching the password as we know it. By Brendan Sasso

Policy

Bobby Jindal Wants To Be Wonk in Chief

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is positioning himself to be the national security wonk in 2016. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Panetta's Book Could Not Have Come At a Worse Time for Obama

Vice President Biden may have been too candid in his recent remarks, but the damage from former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's book will be far more lasting. By George E. Condon, Jr.