Threats

Yemen's War Is Nearly Lost in the Din of Surrounding Conflicts

With another ceasefire ended and nearly 3,000 already dead, Yemenis are stuck in a Saudi-Iranian proxy war that has no end in sight.

Policy

Sudan Cuts Ties with Iran, Widening Middle East's Sunni-Shi'a Divide

The diplomatic fallout from Riyadh's execution of a Shiite cleric is prompting fears of a region-wide sectarian conflict.

Threats

Syrian Refugees in Turkey Are Facing the Same Terror They Once Fled

A journalist's death exemplifies a bitter truth: The easiest and closest refuge is not always the safest.

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.

Policy

US Syria Policy Shifts From ‘Assad Must Go’ to ‘Not Right Now’

The UN Security Council backs a blueprint for Syrian peace talks — and papers over powderkeg tensions between the U.S. and Russia.

Policy

Report: Turkey Has Become the EU’s Enforcer in Bid to Slow Refugees

A damning Amnesty report claims Turkey abused refugees and pressured some to return to war zones.

Ideas

The Challenge of Selling ‘Stay the Course’

Obama’s Pentagon photo op was meant to talk tough and say nothing new while convincing the public his plan is working.

Threats

Iraq Does Not Want US, British Ground Troops for ISIS Fight

The U.K. defense secretary says the Iraqi prime minister does not want British or American ground troops and that local forces must overtake Islamic State militants on their own.

Ideas

In Town Where Refugees Depart, Trump's Ideas Feel Even More Ludicrous

As Syrian refugee parents fight for food and their children's survival, the policy conversation happening in America could not feel more remote – or more off-base.

Ideas

Drone Strikes Are Creating Hatred Toward America That Will Last for Generations

'The resentment created by American use of unmanned strikes,' said retired four-star Gen. Stanley McChrystal, 'is much greater than the average American appreciates.'

Threats

Why Do People Join ISIS? Here’s What They Say When You Ask Them

A marketing communications company gets the Pentagon’s attention by identifying nine reasons.

Threats

Russian Strikes Killed Syrian Soldiers, Pentagon Says

Accused of airstrikes on government forces, U.S. officials point the finger at Moscow.

Science & Tech

How a Poorly Rigged Antenna Contributed to Kunduz Hospital Strike

AFSOC commander describes new drones, training, and gear could prevent future deadly mistakes.

Policy

In Syria, Obama Treads a Well-Worn Path From ‘No Boots’ to Intervention

Here’s the recipe: downplay a U.S. military commitment, increase that commitment, deny breaking pledges to keep out.

Threats

Obama Doesn't Know What He'll Do When US Troops Capture an ISIS Leader

The president is now sending special operators on ISIS capture missions. He has less than 90 days to tell Congress what he plans to do with them.

Ideas

As US Bombs ISIS, Be Wary of Moscow’s Spies

Does the USAF really need to fly F-22s where Russia can practice tracking them?

Threats

Did Russia Just Shred the Last Hope for Mending Ties with Turkey?

The Russian Defense Ministry is accusing the Turkish president and his family of personally profiting from the oil trade with the Islamic State, a claim Erdogan flatly rejects.

Business

US Deploying a ‘Targeting Force’ to Iraq, Syria. Expect Unilateral Special-Ops Raids.

Defense secretary: ground operations are more extensive than previously described, and are still growing.

Threats

No Apologies from Turkey for Shooting Down Russian Jet

In remarks at NATO headquarters, Ankara's prime minister said its Army ‘did its job’ last week, and invited Moscow to talk.

Business

Kunduz Investigation Blames Aircrew, SOF Commander, Computers

The top U.S. general in Afghanistan detailed a stunning list of “tragic but avoidable” human and technology failures that doomed the Médecins Sans Frontières hospital.