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

Threats

Air Strikes Haven't Stopped ISIS From Moving On a Key Syrian City

The efficacy of the US-led airstrikes is under scrutiny as Islamic State fighters raise their flag over parts of the northern Syrian town of Kobani. By Adam Chandler

Threats

Report: Mortars Land in Baghdad’s Green Zone

Islamic State fighters are closing in on the Iraqi capital. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

These Are All the Countries That Now Recognize Palestinian Statehood

The list of more than 130 nations recognizing the state of Palestine just added Sweden, the first EU nation. Here's the full tally ahead of the UK's vote next week. By Kabir Chibber

Threats

How Iran Scammed America Out of a Nuclear Deal

A year ago, Iran was in crisis. Now it’s on the verge of a diplomatic triumph. By David Frum

Threats

Why ISIL Hasn't Derailed America's Pivot to the Pacific

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work sees no risk with the Asia-Pacific rebalance while staying active in Europe and the Middle East. The real risks are with Congress. By Janine Davidson

Ideas

Is the Islamic State a Terrorist Group or an Insurgency?

What’s happening in Iraq and Syria calls for a full-blown counterinsurgency – if the American people can stomach it. By Jerry Meyerle

Business

How To Determine the Success of Air Strikes in Syria

Targeting these 5 categories of an enemy's system can determine the success or failure of an air strike campaign like the US-led one in Syria today. By Col. Clint Hinote

Ideas

In War and Tragedy, How the US Media Prioritizes Death

Gruesome beheadings by the Islamic State dominated the headlines, but it's worth understanding what gets lost and why oftentimes sympathy diminishes as death tolls rise. By Jacoba Urist

Policy

Meet the Muslim Leader Helping Obama Fight ISIL

Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah is part of a broader White House push to understand religion's potential to curb violent extremism. By Kaveh Waddell