Threats

ISIS Kills 50 Egyptian Soldiers in Sinai Peninsula

If the terrorist group does control this territory, it would be a new milestone for the group's foothold outside of Iraq and Syria.

Ideas

Why Terrorists Want To See the End of Tunisia

Tunisia’s struggles to counter terrorism and nurture democracy are intertwined and, at times, mutually destructive.

Ideas

The US Military Should 'Go Small' to Defeat ISIS

Static, fortified bases cede the initiative to the enemy. Unconventional and light is the better approach—even if it carries a higher degree of tactical risk.

Policy

US Restores Bahrain Military Aid Despite Human Rights

Obama determines Bahrain, which houses key U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations in the Middle East, has made some “meaningful progress” on human rights reforms.

Threats

Video Chat Could Put US Advisors In ISIS Fight — Virtually

US troops confined to Iraqi bases may soon use FaceTime-like apps to help Iraqi soldiers on the battlefield.

Ideas

Michael Oren Is Wrong — There Has Always Been Daylight Between the US and Israel

Some Israelis think the relationship will snap back in January 2017, but it'll be more likely to continue as it always has.

Ideas

A Jordanian Man's Journey From the Arab Spring to al-Qaeda Foot Soldier

After pro-democracy protests failed in Jordan, one teenager's determination to make a difference led him into the arms of al-Qaeda in Syria.

Ideas

What a Yemeni Missile Teaches Us About the Iran Deal

The U.S. and its regional partners are going to have to work a lot harder because missiles are missing from the P5+1 nuclear negotiations.

Policy

Everything You Want To Know About Iran Sanctions

As the P5+1 continues negotiating a deal, here's how Tehran came to face a dizzying array of punitive measures.

Threats

Al Qaeda's Middle Management Problem

Recent strikes against the group’s top officials in Libya and Yemen illustrate its organizational weaknesses.

Policy

The Syrian War in Numbers, 4 Years On

After 51 months of fighting, the death toll is more than 230,000 Syrians, including some 14,000 children and 30,000 opposition fighters.

Policy

As More US Troops Head to Iraq, New Congressional Approval Isn’t Going Anywhere

Despite some legal experts' claims that the U.S. shouldn't fight ISIS on the authority to fight al-Qaida, the issue is a political hot potato in almost every corner of Washington.

Threats

Iraq's Problem Is So Much Bigger Than Just Training Its Military

President Obama may blame the lack of a strategy for training the troops on Baghdad, but solving ISIS is much bigger than finding a fighting force.

Policy

Obama on Iraq Troop Training: 'We Don’t Yet Have A Complete Strategy'

The president said in a press conference from the G-7 meeting Monday that the Pentagon is still waiting on 'commitments' from the Iraqi government.

Ideas

Attach Human-Rights Conditions to Aid for Egypt

The connection between curbing Cairo’s abuses and U.S. interests in the region is not so much hidden as ignored.

Threats

ISIS Is Using Tunnel Bombs in Iraq

Updating an ancient tactic, Islamic State militants — as well as rebels in Syria — are digging virtually undetectable tunnels, then planting bombs to blow up buildings and other targets.

Ideas

The Iraqi Army No Longer Exists

ISIS’s victory in Ramadi reveals that containment is the best the U.S. can do for now.

Policy

The White House's Game Plan for Iraq: Run Out the Clock

The administration's messaging on its Iraq strategy has basically been: No ground troops—at least until 2016—so stop asking.

Policy

House Appropriations Committee: Congress Must Consider Authorizing War Against ISIS

In a surprise move, the House panel that sets defense spending declared that lawmakers must debate whether to allow President Obama to use military force against the terrorist group.

Policy

Is Egypt Stable? Is That Even The Right Question?

Whether or not Egypt’s new political order will exist from 12 months to five years from now hinges more on the durability of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi than any any temporary calm.