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
White House Push To Allow FBI Phone Hacks Could Hurt Intelligence Gathering
Two former Navy SEALs say that the White House and FBI push against encryption will hurt troops, intelligence gathering. By Patrick Tucker
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