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.

Threats

'Iraq Is Finished'

Corruption and war have eroded all what was left of the country.

Science & Tech

The Islamic State's Cyber War Crimes

The Islamic State group's grisly videos are much more than a mere record of war crimes.

Threats

Iraq's Youth Are Ticking Time Bombs That Can Still Be Defused

If the US is serious about ISIS threat, Congress should prioritize better, more accessible education to the millions of youth affected by the insurgency.

Threats

The 5,548 ISIS Targets Struck By Coalition Air Forces, in 3 Charts

The Pentagon’s latest data release finally includes airplanes that were destroyed in fall 2014.

Policy

These Are the Alternatives to an Iran Deal

Israel’s prime minister says more sanctions will produce a better nuclear agreement. But the evidence suggests otherwise.

Policy

Arms Won’t Keep US, Egypt From Drifting Apart

Despite Egypt's new US-acquired jets, tanks and missiles, the Washington-Cairo relationship is running on fumes.

Policy

Why the ICC Won't Investigate Violence in Palestine Any Time Soon

There is very little upside for the International Criminal Court to open a costly, formal investigation into a conflict with so many antagonists and counter-claims.

Threats

These Groups Were Also Celebrating the Iran Deal

Iranian-backed governments and organizations across the Middle East have reason to cheer on the framework agreement.