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.

Business

Barack Obama's Friendly-Fire Problem

Leon Panetta is the latest former aide to criticize the president publicly. This kind of thing didn't always happen. By David Graham

Policy

Meet the Muslim Leader Helping Obama Fight ISIL

Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah is part of a broader White House push to understand religion's potential to curb violent extremism. By Kaveh Waddell

Ideas

Obama Should Be Pressuring, Not Legitimizing, Bahrain

After several snubs, letting Bahrain’s tiny Air Force in on the ISIL air strikes is a missed opportunity to change the ways of a shaky ally. By Brian Dooley

Policy

With Eric Holder's Exit, Obama Loses a Key Ally

The attorney general, who announced his departure Thursday, has quarreled with Congress but often addressed issues the president preferred to keep at arm's length. By David A. Graham

Policy

Obama Takes on (Most of) the World

Obama shames Russia, buries the myth of Middle East 'linkage' and promises to lead the fight against barbarism -- in a decidedly different speech at the UN. By Jeffrey Goldberg

Threats

Waging War for Peace at the United Nations

With Wilsonian echoes, a pacifist President Obama tries to rally the world on ISIL, Russia and Ebola. By Ron Fournier

Policy

The Evolution of a War President in Six Speeches

Gone was the talk of moving beyond war and closing Guantanamo. In its place was ISIL and more references to 'terror' than all of his previous UN speeches combined. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Congress Backs Strikes in Syria, But Emphasizes Allied Support

Congress members largely support air strikes in Syria, but urge President Obama to keep his allies in the fight. By Stephanie Gaskell