Threats

Carpet-Bombing Is Not How You Defeat ISIS, Pentagon Says

Top ISIS war commander dismisses Ted Cruz’s idea, says there’s nothing to gain from an indiscriminate, scorched-earth method of fighting the Islamic State.

Ideas

The Americans Who Volunteer to Fight ISIS

'A lot of people come over here thinking they’re going to be Rambo. It’s not like that.'

Policy

What Happened When Ash Carter Crashed Davos

The defense secretary's legacy may have been forged in the Alps, connecting economic elites to the Pentagon — and the war on terrorism.

Science & Tech

Refugee or Terrorist? IBM Thinks Its Software Has the Answer

A new tool to turn unstructured data into actionable intelligence could change the way law enforcement fights terrorism, and challenge the data-collection debate.

Ideas

How ISIS Appeals to Converts — and Ex-Criminals

Understanding both sides is key to figuring out how to slow recruitment.

Policy

Senate Leader Surprises Lawmakers with New ISIS War Powers Request

Neither Republicans nor Democrats knew the majority leader planned to set up a debate on authorizing the use of force against the Islamic State.

Threats

ISIS Has Reportedly Cut Its Fighters' Salaries in Half

An ostensible ISIS treasury memo shows an organization under increasing financial pressure as coalition warplanes ramp up attacks on their oil infrastructure.

Policy

US to Convene 27-Nation Meeting on ISIS

It's a true working ministerial meeting as the U.S. defense secretary and other countries' top defense officials get caught up and look ahead.

Threats

The 'Staggering' Civilian Costs of Iraq's Fight Against ISIS

The UN estimates that at least 18,000 Iraqis have been killed since the start of 2014, a number it warns might be too low.

Threats

Carter Heads to Europe, Seeking Help in Paris, Davos

The U.S. defense secretary will meet counter-ISIS allies in France, then join Joe Biden, John Kerry, and Bono at Switzerland’s swanky — and controversial — World Economic Forum.

Science & Tech

Researchers: ISIS Has Built A Secure Messaging App

Facebook and other big tech companies aren’t the only ones who can create apps for encrypted communication.

Science & Tech

America’s New Plan to Fight ISIS Online

The State Department will diversify its one-way approach, while other agencies reach out to Silicon Valley.

Threats

Why ISIS Cannot Be Negotiated With

Jonathan Powell argues that talking to terrorists has brought peace in the past. But the Islamic State really is different.

Ideas

'Kill-Em-All With Airstrikes' Is Not Working

Here’s a summary of the anti-ISIS bombing campaign: 30,000 fighters - 20,000 killed = 30,000 fighters

Ideas

On ISIS, Europe Is Ignoring Its Long, Tortured History of Waging War Abroad

Even if ISIS could be defeated from the sky, another Western-led regime change is unlikely to lessen brutality in the Middle East or blunt the fervor of zealots in European capitals.

Science & Tech

The Flaw in ISIS's Favorite Messaging App

And what it says about the difficulties around encryption.

Ideas

Fighting While Friending: The Grey War Advantage of ISIS, Russia, and China

Can democracies compete 'where powers can be fighting each other with one hand and shaking hands with the other?'

Threats

Ramadi Is 'Fully Liberated'

Iraqi government forces, backed by Sunni tribesman and U.S. airstrikes, recaptured the city from ISIS.

Threats

‘Call of Jihad’: ISIS Turns to Video Games, Hollywood to Reach Recruits

This video shows how ISIS is increasingly appropriating images of western pop culture, portraying terror as glamorous.

Ideas

Obama Says His ISIS Strategy Is Working Better Than His Attempts to Explain It

The president blames for messaging for public opposition, but there may be more to the story.