Threats

Done Deal: Iran to Suspend Nuclear Program, Roll Back Weaponization

In a stunning agreement with Western powers, Iran will virtually halt its nuclear program for six months. By Kevin Baron

Threats

Hagel Warns Afghanistan: Sign Troop Pact Now or Post-War Plans Halt

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says if a troop deal isn’t signed by the end of the year, the Pentagon will have to put its post-2014 planning on hold. By Kevin Baron

Policy

Obama Snubs 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg Address

President Obama isn't the first to avoid commemorating the historic speech with a speech. It's that good. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

Susan Rice: 'Premature to Judge' Outcome of Iran Talks

Obama's national security advisor also said that differences with Saudi Arabia are mainly over tactics on Middle East policy and not overall strategy. By Uri Friedman

Policy

79 NatSec Officials Praise Obama for Iran Diplomacy

Former ambassadors lauded Obama’s administration for seeking talks with Tehran nuclear program. By Kedar Pavgi

Policy

How Obama Can Bypass Congress and Ease Sanctions on Iran

A recalcitrant and hawkish Congress won't cut back on Iran sanctions by itself. Good thing the White House has plenty of other options. By Sara Sorcher

Ideas

How Obama Can Help Iraq

The Iraq war President Obama never wanted is back. Here’s what he can do to help stop Iraq’s spiral into chaos. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

Congress vs the President: Who Should Make the Calls on NSA?

Are the intel committees upset that the NSA tapped Merkel's phone -- or that they didn't know about it first? By Marc Ambinder

Policy

NSA, Watergate, Vietnam: What Should Presidents Know?

Presidents have lied about what they knew and knew too much. But there are things that a president really shouldn't know. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Policy

U.S. To Release Its Review of Spying Practices By Year's End

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the results of a review of the way the U.S. gathers intelligence will be released by the end of the year. By Matt Vasilogambros

Policy

Now Germany Confronts Obama Over NSA Spying

Germany is the latest ally to confront President Obama over reports of NSA spying. By Matt Berman, Matt Vasilogambros and Brian Resnick

Policy

Obama Signs Bill to Reinstate Troop Death Benefits During the Shutdown

President Obama signed the bill Thursday after the Fisher House Foundation offered to pay death benefits to families of fallen troops during the shutdown. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Congress Slams Obama for Cutting Aid to Egypt

Even Democrats say the president should have consulted lawmakers outside his inner circle before making a unilateral change to foreign policy. By Sara Sorcher

Threats

Cutting Egypt Aid Too Little, Too Late

Withholding some aid to the military while continuing other aid gives Egypt mixed messages about Washington's intentions. By Sara Sorcher

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