Policy

Why Isolationism Is Back in America

The United States' mixed record on military interventions, coupled with an inherent skepticism of foreign involvement, has cooled any appetite towards a strike in Syria. By Ronald Brownstein

Policy

'Mass Chaos': Diplomats Warned Obama Syria Was Inevitable

For months, diplomats told the White House to get involved in Syria, or pay a greater price down the road. Well, here we are. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Policy

Can Obama Change His Mind on Syria?

The presidency has always been one where decisive action and leadership has been admired. So how should the administration's stuttering Syria policy be judged? By Charlie Cook

Ideas

How the 'War on Terror' Changed the Way We Go to War

The irregular nature of the past decade of warfare has emboldened presidents to order military action in other nations. Now Congress is saying, ‘Not so fast.’ By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Post-Iraq Invasion Congress Members Demand a Vote on Syria

It's the members who joined Congress after the 2003 invasion of Iraq who are being the most vocal on demanding for a vote before any U.S. military action in Syria. By Shane Goldmacher

Threats

Industry Cyber Guidelines Target ‘Insider Threats’

A preview of the administration’s industry cyber security standards urges employers to monitor emails and social media to identify ‘risky personnel.’ By Aliya Sternstein

Policy

Congress Urges Obama to Make His Case Before Striking Syria

Several members of Congress are reminding President Obama of his obligation to consult with Congress before authorizing military action in Syria. By Michael Catalini

Science & Tech

Obama's Power To Set Cybersecurity Standards Is Limited

For the last three years, President Obama has been unable to get a cybersecurity bill through Congress. By Matthew Cooper

Threats

Not Yet! U.S. Still Determining Syria Attack Objectives

Obama administration officials are still trying to decide what objective they want to achieve with an attack on Syria, fearing additional chemical weapons use. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Syria: Mission Impossible?

President Obama is deciding whether to launch a military strike against Syria. The problem is, there may be no good way do it. By Michael Hirsh

Threats

Kerry Makes the Case for Military Action in Syria

Secretary of State John Kerry says it’s not about stopping the civil war in Syria anymore– it’s about ending the proliferation of chemical weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

What the NSA's Compliance Data Tells Us

One piece of data, left unredacted in its report to Congress, appears to give more information on the surveillence program than the NSA has ever released publicly. By Philip Bump

Policy

50 Percent of Americans Say Obama Isn’t ‘Tough’ on Egypt

As confusion swirls around the administration’s Egypt policy, many Americans say it’s time to cut military aid. By Mark Micheli

Policy

Obama: 'We've Struck the Right Balance' on Spying

President Obama announces four major reforms to strengthen oversight of government spying programs. By Matt Berman and Brian Resnick

Policy

McCain's Foreign Policy Bromance With Obama

Fresh from a trip to Egypt on behalf of the president, Sen. John McCain compares his relationship with Obama to "a classic romantic comedy." By Abby Ohlheiser.

Threats

Interview with Ryan Crocker: Assad will Prevail 'Yard by Bloody Yard'

America’s premier diplomat would intervene in Syria if President Obama asked, even though it probably wouldn’t do much good. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

The Government's Real Problem With the Bradley Manning Trial

Despite a guilty verdict on most counts, the government still can't share intelligence. By Matthew Cooper

Policy

Obama Needs to Explain Why We're Breaking Up with Afghanistan

President Obama has switched from a message of 'we have to win' to 'we have to exit,' with little conversation in between. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Policy

Biden’s Passage to India Should Include Afghanistan

Obama’s Afghanistan drawdown won’t work without help from the world’s largest democracy. By Kedar Pavgi

Policy

Is the Military Underrepresented Among Top Administration Officials?

In the first term, 12 percent of top officials surveyed by National Journal had military experience. Now, that figure is 9 percent. By Brian Resnick and Brian McGill