Ideas
Ep. 31: The true origins of ISIS and the future of counterterrorism with Hassan Hassan
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
New Documents Rewrite ISIS’ Origin Story
A secret biography suggests that Abu Ali al-Anbari defined the group’s radical approach more than any other person.
Threats
US-Backed Forces in Iraq, Syria May Face Challenges for Years
Latest report by three inspectors general details weakness in anti-ISIS effort.
Policy
The US Military Held an American as an Enemy Combatant for Over a Year. Here’s What That Means.
The case could have upended the entire war on ISIS. Instead, it’s changing how we treat some detainees.
Ideas
ISIS Sees Opportunity as Syria’s Rebellion Falls
Religious extremists will try to inherit the energy of the all-but-defeated rebellion, just as they did in Iraq after the surge.
Threats
ISIS Never Went Away in Iraq
“You can say that almost all of Iraq has been liberated from ISIS during the day, but you can’t say that at night.”
Ideas
ISIS Is Ready For a Resurgence
The new recording released by the group’s leader suggested he’s looking to the past to chart a course for the group’s ultimate triumph.
Ideas
Ep. 15: Space Force is happening; The future of ISIS in Africa; Charlottesville, one year later; and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Threats
Deputy Commander in Iraq Misused Staff for Personal Tasks
IG absolves Brig. Gen. Rick Uribe of charges he wore unearned medals and skipped weigh-ins.
Threats
What a Small ISIS Cell in Trinidad is Teaching SOUTHCOM
Just because a country is relatively small doesn’t diminish the threat, or the difficulty of mustering a counter-effort.
Ideas
Ep. 4: Trump vs. Kim; Military algorithms; ISIS’ new war narratives; USAF’s next plane and more.
Welcome to the fourth episode of our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
Counting the Dead in Mosul
The civilian death toll in the fight against ISIS is far higher than official estimates.
Policy
Trump's 'Very Soon' Withdrawal From Syria Is Exactly What Many Troops Feared
What the president said is exactly what some special operations forces worried would happen — under President Hillary Clinton.
Threats
The War in Iraq Isn’t Done. Commanders Explain Why and What's Next
Senior US and Iraq officers say the 15-year fight isn’t quite finished and they need to ensure that another ISIS can’t rise.
Ideas
Russia's Favorite Syrian Warlord
Brigadier General Suheil al-Hassan has won over Putin and played a central role in the assault on eastern Ghouta.
Ideas
The US Will Spend $500M on Syrian Kurds This Year. For What?
The Trump administration is embarking on a state-building project with no clear strategy, benchmarks, or goals.
Threats
When the Islamic State Came to Libya
Since the fall of Qaddafi, the war-torn country’s militias have sought to contain extremism. But at what cost?
Ideas
The US Must Stop Turkey Now
Americans are wrong to placate Erdogan and permit his attacks on northern Syria. Here's how Washington can get it right.
Ideas
Inside The World's Most Radical Experiment in Women’s Rights
The women’s movement in northern Syria is more like a women’s earthquake, in politics, governance, and the region's security.
Threats