Policy
Lawmakers Push US To Admit More Syrians as FBI Underscores ‘Risk’
The National Counterterrorism Center and FBI are concerned over holes in Syrian security screenings; 84 lawmakers are concerned over redundancies.
Policy
How Fear Slammed America’s Door on Syrian Refugees
As millions flee from war to uncertainty or death, ‘national security concerns’ have kept US arrivals to a trickle.
Policy
Defense Policy Bill Heads to Obama, Who Readies Veto Pen
The 2016 NDAA would give the Pentagon all the money the White House requested — but without resolving four-year-old budget caps.
Threats
Senate Moves Defense Policy Bill One Step Closer to Obama’s Veto Pen
But enough Democrats got on board to give Republicans the votes to override it in the Senate.
Threats
Defense Secretary Ash Carter: US Won't Be Clearing Syria’s Skies for Russia
As Russia launches its first strikes in Syria, defying recent agreements to deconflict with U.S. forces, the Pentagon is rejecting its call to stay out of the way.
Policy
Lawmakers' Defense Spending Agreement Ignores Obama on War Fund, Guantanamo
House and Senate members agreed to military personnel and acquisition reforms, yet set up a showdown over the offshore prison and wartime supplemental funding.
Ideas
Moscow’s Moves in Syria Exploit Limits of Obama's Containment Strategy
Washington wants to shape the conflict from afar, but Russia is now shaping the facts on the ground.
Policy
Obama Administration: Terror-War Authorizations Don't OK Defending US-Trained Syrians Against Assad
Instead, administration officials say, the Constitution gives the president the authority, in certain circumstances, to order action against Assad’s forces.
Threats
Pope Pushes U.S. To Do More To Confront Global Insecurity
From the refugee crisis to diplomacy to the arms industry, Pope Francis pointedly reminded the U.S. of its leading role, and culpability, in the international community.
Policy
McCain Vows One Continuing Resolution Only, Then It’s Budget Deal or Bust
The Armed Service Committee chairman compared his own majority leader’s strategy on defense spending to the administration’s in Iraq and Syria: nonexistent.
Policy
Is Joni Ernst the Next John McCain?
The freshman Iowa senator and Iraq vet is making her way into the GOP’s national-security leadership.
Threats
As Moscow Sends Fighter Jets Into Syria, US and Russian Defense Chiefs Open Talks
Four Russian Flankers have arrived at Moscow’s forward operating base in Syria, Pentagon confirms.
Threats
US Train-and-Equip Program, by the Numbers: 9 Fighting, 18 MIA, 1 Killed
Pentagon updates the tally just days after CENTCOM shocked senators by reporting that only ‘4 or 5’ Syrians remained in the fight.
Policy
Debate Shows GOP Candidates Remain Divided Over How To Use the Military—and When
On national security, the Republican field continues to offer as many plans filled with blanks as criticisms.
Threats
Only ‘4 or 5’ US-Trained Syrians Are Still in the Fight Against ISIS
It’s far from the 15,000 envisioned over three years, CENTCOM commander Gen. Austin conceded to lawmakers.
Policy
Politics Puts Iowa Arsenal Between a Rock Island and a Hard Place
The military’s largest weapons manufacturing arsenal is one of many facilities stymied by Washington’s budgetary inaction. But you won’t hear about it on the campaign trail.
Policy
Russia Is Setting Up A Forward Operating Base in Syria, Pentagon Confirms
Amid a tide of news reports and statements about Russian deployments to Syria, the Defense Department confirms a few details.
Threats
US and Russian Forces in Syria Aren’t Talking to Each Other
CENTCOM says it has “no military-to-military contact” with Russian forces sent to help the embattled Assad regime.
Policy
As Search for ‘Gitmo North’ Heats Up, Lawmakers Go Full NIMBY
Even members of Congress who support Obama’s drive to close the prison don’t want the detainees coming to their districts.
Policy