Policy
How Obama Botched a Chance for Peace in Syria Last Year
One year and 80,000 lives ago, the United Nations envoy had carved a path for a government 'transition.' But the White House and Hillary Clinton rejected it. By Michael Hirsh
Policy
We Negotiate With Terrorists, Why Not With Congress?
Perhaps the Obama administration should adopt the same policy it applies to real terrorists: Don't negotiate at all in public, but meanwhile search for every back channel you can. By Michael Hirsh
Threats
The Six Things That Will Determine Obama's Success With Iran
Obama has made a good start by speaking to Rouhani, but there are plenty of pitfalls on the road to peace. By David Rohde
Policy
Will Obama and Rouhani Meet Face-to-Face at the United Nations?
This week’s United Nations meeting could open the door to an historic meeting between President Obama and the new Iranian leader. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Close the NSA's Reagan-Era Collection Loophole
There are many ways NSA could win back public trust, protect privacy, and still do its job. One way: cancel an executive order signed by Ronald Reagan. By Marc Ambinder
Threats
Obama's Final Pivot Away From the Middle East
The administration's reluctance to intervene in Syria may be the beginning of a permanent shift away from the region. By David Rohde
Policy
A September to Surrender: Syria and Summers Spell Second-Term Slump
Is Obama's power eroding quicker than before, or is this just typical of this stage in the presidency? By Major Garrett
Business
Inside Obama’s Syria Deliberations: ‘The Promise of More Discussion’
Insiders detail a reluctance to engage in military action, and a disconnect between the president and the national security options prepared for his review. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Business
OMB Puts Agencies on Standby for Possible Shutdown
As the fiscal year comes to an end, Pentagon officials were put on alert to prepare for a government shutdown. By Charles Clark
Policy
Republicans to Link Benghazi to Broader Foreign Policy Failures
GOP strategists want to make the case that the attack was indicative of an administration that has lost control. It'll be also used against Hillary Clinton if she runs in 2016. By Stacy Kaper
Policy
Obama Still Faces Plenty of Risks on Syria
Diplomacy has yielded plenty of initial dividends, but there are plenty of pitfalls ahead before the situation over Syria's chemical weapons is resolved. By Ron Brownstein.
Policy
Obama's Diplomatic Coup
With a possible agreement on Syria's chemical weapons with the Russians, the president reaffirmed America's global leadership during a time it was falling into question. By Michael Hirsh
Ideas
Obama's Wrong, Syria's Chemical Weapons Require Boots on the Ground
There's no way around it. Securing chemical weapons amid a civil war requires troops. By Joshua Foust
Policy
Syria Tells You Everything You Need to Know About Barack Obama
The president's policy towards Syria only puts his best and worst attributes on full display. By Ron Fournier
Policy
Kennedy's Battles With the Brass
JFK fought to rein in the military on multiple occasions. His actions may have prevented nuclear war. By Robert Dallek
Policy
National Security for Dummies: Syria Exposes D.C.’s Chasm Between War and Politics
For the shouting politico crowd, Syria is a political gamble between a ‘lame duck’ president and a weak GOP. For the natsec crowd, it’s geopolitical warfare best left to the adults. By Kevin Baron
Policy
Americans Staunchly Opposed to Military Intervention in Syria
New poll suggests that Americans want Obama to find another way to avert a military response to the crisis in the Middle East. By Ronald Brownstein
Policy
Obama: Securing Syria's Chemical Weapons Could Avert a Strike
Russia offers to broker a deal to put Syria's chemical weapons 'under international control.' By Marina Koren and Brian Resnick
Threats
From Missile Strikes to Mission Creep
A quick military strike in Syria would inevitably drag Obama into the broader and messier goal of regime change in Damascus. By Dominic Tierney
Policy