Threats

Here’s What Arab Militaries Bring to the Fight Against the Islamic State

How useful would Gulf Arab contributions be? In purely military terms, not very. Here’s why. By Bobby Ghosh

Policy

House Republicans Find Obama's Plans in Syria 'Unrealistic'

Seeking more details on Obama's plans for Syria, House Speaker John Boehner said, 'Somebody's boots will have to be on the ground.' By Daniel Newhauser and Billy House

Science & Tech

The Islamic State Is Losing the Twitter War

The Islamic State won’t be waging war in 140 characters or less. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

As the Anti-Islamic State Coalition Takes Shape, Turkey Remains Reluctant

While 10 Arab countries agreed to partner with the U.S. against the Islamic State group, Turkish hostages remain an obstacle to Ankara's commitment. By Kaveh Waddell

Threats

Is Obama Losing His Battle With Perpetual War?

'This war, like all wars, must end,' Obama declared in May at the National Defense University. This week, the president set aside that goal. By Uri Friedman

Threats

Not Fighting the Islamic State Could Be Worse Than Fighting It

In defense of escalating the president's campaign against the Islamic State group. By Jeffrey Goldberg

Threats

Gen. Allen To Manage Obama's Strategy Against the Islamic State

Retired Marine Corps Gen. John Allen is President Obama’s point man on the mission to destroy the Islamic State. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Inviting Arab States To Fight Terrorism is Just Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Pain

Allying with governments and their militaries that populations detest is no way to curb extremism. By Sarah Chayes

Threats

How Much of a Threat to the Homeland Is the Islamic State?

Lots of things 'could' threaten the U.S. In the case of the Islamic State, does that danger justify another military campaign in the Middle East? By Peter Beinart

Threats

The Islamic State Fight Now Hinges on Arab Leaders

The Islamic State cannot be defeated without the broad support of ordinary citizens of the Middle East. On its face, this shouldn't be difficult. By Bobby Ghosh

Ideas

Obama’s Speech Reflects a Refined Foreign Policy Doctrine

The president’s speech presents a refined American engagement that relies not just on our kinetic capabilities. By Maj. Mike Lyons

Policy

Islamic State Unites Congress, But Lawmakers Diverge on the Way Forward

The Islamic State may have provoked rare unity in a dysfunctional Congress -- but lawmakers’ support for Obama’s strategy comes with crucial caveats. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

Obama Has a Strategy for the Islamic State But He Better Have a Plan B

President Obama laid out a plan to defeat the Islamic State. But it’s hardly a shock and awe. Is there a Plan B? By Kevin Baron

Ideas

In Obama Speech, Echoes of the Lyndon Johnson Era

President Obama’s speech on the Islamic State was nicely written, if you care about presidential syntax. But it reflected no sense of history. By Philip Seib

Threats

The Case Against Another War in Iraq

The president's developing campaign against the Islamic State is shaking out to be more emotionally reactive than purpose-driven. By David Frum

Policy

Congressional Leaders Stand Back To Let Obama Strike Islamic State

The White House made clear the president won't go to Capitol Hill for approval to broaden his campaign against ISIL. And for now, no one is dissenting. By Daniel Newhauser

Ideas

‘No Boots on the Ground’ Doesn’t Mean No Combat in Iraq

President Obama is vowing not to send 'boots on the ground' in Iraq but they’re already there. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Policy

Ignoring Obama's Most Important Achievement in the Middle East

The president is successful at hunting terrorists and denying the Islamic State access to vast storehouses of deadly chemical weapons. So why doesn't he get credit? By Jeffrey Goldberg

Threats

Is Obama's Caution on the Islamic State Paying Off?

From a steep rise in support from the American public to an assertive Arab League and a new Baghdad government, there are some good signs in the fight against the Islamic State. By Bobby Ghosh

Ideas

What Obama Needs To Tell the American People About the Islamic State

While limited air strikes in Iraq have slowed the progress of the Islamic State, it’s clear that more must be done. By Rep. Martha Roby