Threats
Saudi Arabia Gives Its Troops a Bonus As It Shakes Up Line of Succession
At a time of political and economic upheaval, Riyadh's King Salman elevates youthful relatives with serious security and military credentials.
Threats
Here’s Why Iran’s Seizure of a Cargo Ship Is So Odd, and Disturbing
While Revolutionary Guard boats often harass passing vessels, the capture of the MV Maersk Tigris appears to be something new.
Ideas
What Did Saudi Arabia Achieve in Yemen?
Hundreds of air strikes later, Hadi remains in Riyadh and the Houthis remain near Aden. Riyadh needs a new approach.
Ideas
Saudi Arabia Is Killing Its Chances For Success in Yemen
Air strikes that cause civilian deaths undermine counterinsurgency efforts, as the US learned painfully in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Threats
Why the Obama Administration Thinks It's Beating ISIS
It will be a 'long, steady, slow-burning campaign,' explains the State Department's Brett McGurk.
Threats
Who Are the Houthis?
The Iranian-backed Shia militia toppled Yemen's government and has sparked civil war. Here's how they came to power.
Policy
McCain: New ISIS War Powers Request 'Is Not Going Anywhere'
There never was much political incentive for anyone in Washington to officially declare war against the Islamic State group.
Policy
One of the Most Damaging Myths of American Foreign Policy
U.S. leaders should bear in mind that imposing sanctions and threatening war rarely strengthen human rights. Oftentimes, it's the reverse.
Science & Tech
The Russian Weapon That Could Tip The Balance in the Middle East
Moscow’s recent decision to ship the very mobile and lethal S-300 missile system to Iran is a big deal for these three reasons.
Ideas
No, the 1998 Iraq Bombing Campaign Isn't a Model To Strike Iran
Only 12% of the targets in Operation Desert Fox were related to Saddam Hussein's WMD sites.
Ideas
What Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi Must Do Next
Tikrit exposed that Iran is not as strong as advertised in Iraq — and Washington not as weak.
Policy
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Leaders Strike Iran Deal
It's still unclear whether the agreement will garner enough votes to override a White House veto.
Policy
Pentagon’s Top Lawyer: Our Current War Law Still Works, But We Need a Better One
In a rare address, Stephen Preston argues that Congress’ sanction of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan permits today’s air strikes against the Islamic State and more.
Threats
What Arab Countries Think About the Iran Deal
Far from being shocked or appalled by the agreement, Arab countries see an opening to further their interests in the final round of negotiations.
Threats
Did the US and Iran Actually Agree on a Deal?
Merely days after a framework was announced, it's looking more like nothing has been settled between Tehran and the P5+1.
Policy
Here's Why the US Won't Recognize the Armenian Genocide
100 years after the Ottoman Empire began massacring Armenians, geopolitics is keeping Washington from acknowledging history.
Policy
Where Are the Anti-War Democrats on Iran?
Can liberal doves find the right candidates to bring Congress's national security policies in line with the desires of the American people?
Ideas
Arming Dictators Will Only Bring Chaos
Obama keeps saying the right things, but doing the wrong ones, by sending weapons to Middle East regimes.
Science & Tech