Policy
America’s Longest War Just Got Longer: Obama Extends Afghanistan Mission
Obama halts Afghanistan withdrawal with plans to keep 9,800 troops there through 2016.
Policy
Hillary Clinton Defends Hawkish Record in First Democratic Debate
But the expected “she voted for the Iraq War” line of attack didn't stick to the former secretary of state's superlative national security credentials.
Ideas
Turkey’s 10-Sided War With Itself
The unfortunate reality is a Turkish society now made up of mutually distrustful — and sometimes violent — camps.
Policy
As Syria Heats Up, Obama Defends Mideast Policy
In a confrontational interview on 60 Minutes, the president fired back at critics of his response to Russian moves in Syria.
Policy
Lawmakers Push US To Admit More Syrians as FBI Underscores ‘Risk’
The National Counterterrorism Center and FBI are concerned over holes in Syrian security screenings; 84 lawmakers are concerned over redundancies.
Threats
White House Once Again Weighing Intervention Options in Syria
After $500 million train-and-equip effort fails, what comes next?
Ideas
Can Afghan Forces Resist the Taliban?
One expert thinks a bevy of complications and a security force that's spreading itself too thin are jeopardizing the country's chances.
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
Don't Chase Putin Out of Syria — Let Him Fail On His Own
Putin is no chess master. He overstretched and misstepped in Syria, and U.S. would be wiser to wait him out than chase him out.
Policy
How Fear Slammed America’s Door on Syrian Refugees
As millions flee from war to uncertainty or death, ‘national security concerns’ have kept US arrivals to a trickle.
Threats
And Yemen Burns With Washington's Blessing
The Saudis keep hitting civilians — a wedding party on Monday, killing 120 — and blaming U.S. intelligence for bad targets.
Ideas
Iran Is Key To Understanding US Future In Mideast
An expert explains Iran's role in the ongoing regional turmoil and says the US will need to brace for some conversations it doesn't want to have.
Threats
US, NATO, Afghan Forces Retake Kunduz — Maybe
Conflicting reports emerge as coalition forces and Taliban battle for control of the city.
Threats
US Airstrikes, Afghan Forces Fail to Reclaim Kunduz
Afghan troops and civilians fled to the airport as the city was captured by the Taliban on Monday.
Ideas
Moscow’s Moves in Syria Exploit Limits of Obama's Containment Strategy
Washington wants to shape the conflict from afar, but Russia is now shaping the facts on the ground.
Policy
Obama Administration: Terror-War Authorizations Don't OK Defending US-Trained Syrians Against Assad
Instead, administration officials say, the Constitution gives the president the authority, in certain circumstances, to order action against Assad’s forces.
Ideas
Obama Needs an ISIS War Czar Before It’s Too Late
Obama’s ISIS fight looks more like Iraq in 2003 than in 2007, when military and civilian leaders were synced hip-to-hip.
Ideas
Today’s Terrorists Want To Inspire
How terrorism has—and hasn’t—changed, from the Algerian War to ISIS.
Threats
How ISIS Territory Has Changed Since the US Bombing Campaign Began
An animated depiction of a stalemate.
Ideas
The Islamic State's Recruiting Has Hit Britain Particularly Hard
British Muslims are caught in a pincer movement: with public and government suspicion on one side, and a seductive and supposedly empowering ideology on the other.
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