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.
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
Putin is Accusing Turkey of Being an ISIS Ally—and He’s At Least Partly Right
The Islamic State group reportedly smuggles a large volume of oil via trader routes going almost exclusively through Turkey.
Policy
What Vietnamese Refugees in New Hampshire Think of the Syrian Backlash
As 2016 hopefuls arrive with pledges to block refugees from Syria, Vietnamese-American voters here respond with a conflicted mix of caution and compassion.
Threats
The US Is Relying on Iraqis to Keep Tabs on ISIS Bomb Technology
New tactics in Iraq make the Paris attacks look quaint, but the drawn-down US force needs local help to keep up.
Ideas
Bombing Syria Won’t Make Paris Safer
The enemy France and Europe are struggling against is far closer to home.
Policy
Jeb Bush Struggles to Clarify Response to Syrian Refugee Backlash
In a week meant to burnish his national security credentials, the GOP candidate calls for “added measures” to the vetting process but says he doesn’t know what that process is.
Science & Tech
This Tool Could Sniff Out a Paris Bomb More Than a Football Field Away
The U.S. military is working to refine and improve a multi-sensor device that could one day deploy to detect suicide vests.
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.
Ideas