Policy

A Tough Case for Strikes on Syria

Obama has several options to justify a military strike against Assad, but developing the legal reasoning will be difficult. By Jonathan Masters

Policy

Qatar's New Leader is Quietly Supporting U.S. Strikes in Syria

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has been working--albeit quietly--towards mitigating the threat posed by regional power, Iran. By Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Jonathan Schanzer.

Ideas

Only a ‘Painful’ Strike Will Stop Syria from Using Chemical Weapons Again

The father of the U.N.-backed Responsibility to Protect doctrine says military action against Syria is justified under the principles it lays out. By Kedar Pavgi

Ideas

Drones, Spying, Iraq and the Case Against Military Action in Syria

When it comes to building a case for a strike against Syria, America’s credibility on drones, spying and the invasion of Iraq may get in the way. By Michael Hirsh

Ideas

The Many Challenges of Building an International Military Coalition

Coordinating several militaries with different budgets, capabilities and goals to carry out a strike against Syria isn’t easy. By Kathleen J. McInnis

Ideas

Prospect of War in Syria Rattles Emerging Markets

With Wall Street on edge over the looming military strike against Syria, investors in emerging markets like Turkey and India are rushing for gold and U.S. currencies. By Matt Phillips

Policy

U.S. No Longer Seeking U.N., NATO Permission to Strike Syria

Bypassing the United Nations and NATO, the United States is 'ready to strike' Syria with British, French and Arab support. By Kevin Baron

Policy

Drones Are Controversial But Legal

Just because drones are more technologically advanced than other weapons doesn't mean they violate international law. By James Jay Carafano

Ideas

How Badly Did Manning Hurt the United States?

Manning said he was sorry for leaking troves of classified information from Iraq and Afghanistan. But just how much damage did he do? By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

With Summit’s Collapse, Now Russia is Kerry and Hagel’s Problem

As Obama and Putin 'take a pause' in their relationship, Kerry and Hagel huddle with their Russian counterparts in Washington to tackle the growing tension between the two nations. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

China Declares Russia the Winner in Snowden Showdown

The growing alliance between China and Russia is the stuff of American diplomatic nightmares. By Heather Timmons

Policy

Russia Hasn't Gotten Over the Cold War

Moscow still thinks its 1989, and its showing. By Michael Hirsh

Ideas

A Big New Idea for U.S.-Pakistan Relations

After a cooling off period, the Obama administration put Pakistan back on the agenda last week promising new talks. It would help if the administration came prepared with something new to discuss. By Daniel Markey

Science & Tech

Israel Is Stuck in a Security Limbo

Even as Israel's neighbors grapple with internal turmoil, the fate of the negotiations with Palestine stands on a knife's edge. By Frida Ghitis

Threats

Close to a Deal: U.S., Afghans Agree on Single Text

A bilateral security agreement is reachable by October, insiders say. But then what? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Policy

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks Coming Soon—and John Kerry May Be the Reason Why

The secretary of state made the announcement in Jordan on Friday. By Matt Vasilogambros

Threats

Biden: 'America's Back'

As Americans grow more weary of U.S. involvement overseas, Vice President Joe Biden insists "there is no reason why we cannot bring greater focus to the Asia-Pacific and keep our eye on the ball in the Middle East.” By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

An Opportunity for U.S.-Iran Engagement

Could the growing violence in Syria bring the U.S. and Iran together?

Policy

Can Samantha Power Stop Assad?

Power understands the 'strengths and weaknesses of the U.N.,' says former Secretary of State Madeliene Albright. But can the woman who wrote the book about the birth of genocide stop the bloodshed in Syria without China and Russia? By Stephanie Gaskell