Ideas

The War on ISIS: What’s the Endgame?

Nobody’s focused on winning the peace. That’s a big problem.

Policy

Hollande Tries to Rally the World to France’s War on ISIS

But many countries have their own reasons, and strategies, for fighting the terror group.

Threats

Is ISIS Rational?

Why trying to think like ISIS is so hard—and risky.

Ideas

Here’s What’s Keeping the World from Uniting Against ISIS

People need a common story before they will go to war with an enemy. ISIS has one. The rest of the world does not.

Science & Tech

ISIS-Endorsed Encryption Provider to Begin Screening Customers

The software company Silent Circle hopes to mitigate nefarious use of encryption by closely monitoring how it's clients pay for the service.

Ideas

The Unintended Consequences of Containing ISIS

The Paris attacks have prompted calls for a stronger military response to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. But restraint may be the better course of action.

Ideas

Bombing Syria Won’t Make Paris Safer

The enemy France and Europe are struggling against is far closer to home.

Policy

Clinton Details A More Aggressive US Plan for Middle East, Terrorism

The Democratic front-runner calls for an ‘intelligence surge,’ increased special operations, and more of nearly every U.S. tool to fight terrorism.

Threats

Three Ways ISIS Gets Its Money

“It seems to me … that terrorist groups will do anything for money.”

Science & Tech

Restricting Encryption Would Not Have Prevented the Paris Attacks

Despite what intelligence officials say, limiting information security would do little to thwart terrorism.

Threats

Brussels Has Become the Jihadist Capital of Europe

In the last few years, one particular suburb has been at the heart of a thriving black market where military weapons can be bought in record time.

Policy

Here's Why Assad and ISIS Hate France's Stake in the Middle East

With both the terror group and the brutal president blaming the Paris attacks on French foreign policy, it's worth asking: what is that policy?

Ideas

America Isn't Losing the War of Ideas to ISIS

In every era, the same alarms bells have sounded. The rise of the Internet, however, could make this one different.

Business

Meet the New Army General in Charge of the ISIS War

Army Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland is now commanding the counter-ISIS campaign; Officials name Nagata’s successor at SOCOM Central.

Science & Tech

Pentagon: State Doesn’t Have Enough People Tweeting At ISIS

In the war of online influence, the U.S. is gaining ground but is still hopelessly outmanned.

Threats

Obama Cancels Syrian Train-and-Equip Program

The Pentagon now plans to focus on training just key Syrian leaders and sending more arms — and air cover — to fighters already on the ground.

Ideas

We Never Thought Training Syrians Would Be Easy

When it comes to building capable foreign forces, one can have all the will, skill, money, and allies – but no guarantees.

Threats

Allen Quits ISIS War Envoy Job, One Year After Calling for Group’s Destruction

The retired general begged President Obama to “destroy” ISIS and was then appointed to help do it.

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.

Ideas

Today’s Terrorists Want To Inspire

How terrorism has—and hasn’t—changed, from the Algerian War to ISIS.