Threats

What the Colorado Teens Headed for Syria Tell Us About ISIS

Now more than ever, the Islamic State group's online recruitment efforts appear to be attracting more young people from far outside the Middle East. By Polly Mosendz

Threats

How 500,000 Iraqi Refugees Are Surviving Under the Shadow of ISIS

How northern Iraqi Kurdistan's displaced people are coping with war and want. By Alice Su

Threats

Iran Could Be Complying With the Interim Nuclear Deal

Depending on whom you ask, the country is taking steps to ensure transparency as international inspectors investigate. By Adam Chandler

Threats

Beyond the Houthi Takeover of Yemen

Will the rise of a new power in Sana'a usher in an era of improved security for Yemen -- or will it bring the country to its knees? By Nasim al Sanani

Threats

Turkey Allows Iraqi Kurds To Join the Fight Against ISIS

The shift in policy—and alliances—underscores the importance of saving Kobani from the Islamic State. By Polly Mosendz

Threats

Executions Could Be Iraq's Real Challenge to Unity

The UN warns that the rising number of death sentences in the country's courts fuels sectarian violence—and empowers ISIS. By Allen McDuffee

Threats

The Pentagon Can't Say If It Stopped the Khorasan Terror Threat

Early reports that Mohsin al-Fadhli, one of the group's leaders, was killed during still can’t be confirmed. By Jordain Carney

Ideas

Even Containment Needs Boots on the Ground

Even to keep ISIL at bay, U.S. or Iraqi forces would need to reclaim some cities – and that requires combat ground troops. By Jerry Meyerle

Threats

America's Awkward Alliance With Turkey Just Got More Awkward

The State Department said Thursday that it held talks about ISIS with a Syrian Kurdish party with links to a group on the U.S. terror list. By Adam Chandler

Ideas

The Last Step to an Iran Nuclear Deal

Washington is too focused on Iran’s ability to enrich nuclear material instead of our ability to watch them. By Greg Thielmann

Ideas

Contain ISIS, Then Roll It Back

If we haven’t defeated al-Qaeda by now, why do we expect to ‘destroy’ ISIS? By Richard Fontaine

Ideas

Like It or Not, Containment Is What It Is

As bad as containment sounds, it may now be hard to accomplish more. By Thomas Karako

Ideas

Why Containment Is a Myth

Containment is no ‘easy button’ for national security. Here’s why. By James Jay Carafano

Threats

The Campaign Against ISIS Finally Has a Name

The operation to 'degrade and destroy' the Islamic State shall be known as ‘Inherent Resolve.’ By Adam Chandler

Threats

Where ISIS Is Taking a Big Hit

Coalition airstrikes aren't stopping ISIS from taking territory in Iraq and Syria, but they have cut affected the amount of black market oil money the group is pulling in. By Steve LeVine

Ideas

What Could US Boots on the Ground Do in Iraq and Syria?

Boots on the ground in Iraq or Syria should be seen as a capability, not a strategy. By Brian Michael Jenkins

Ideas

Is ISIS Using Chemical Weapons?

If reports that the Islamic State has used chemical weapons in Syria are true, where did they get them? By Joseph Cirincione and Paul Walker

Ideas

Obama Is Working With the Wrong Partners in Iraq

The U.S. is behaving like junior partners to Iran and propping up Shiites in Baghdad, instead of Sunnis on the front line. By Bing West

Science & Tech

ISIS Is Better Than Al-Qaeda At Using the Internet

Both terrorist groups have embraced digital communications to spread their message. However, its the newer organization that has made a much bigger impact. By Laura Ryan.

Threats

Promises of Syrian Rebel Train-and-Equip Program Meet the Battlefield’s Realities

It will take months, if not years, to train and equip Syrian rebels. But on the battlefield, the clock is ticking. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon