Threats
The Terrible Idea of Partnering With Syria's Assad
Why the U.S. teaming up with the Syrian dictator is both an interesting thought experiment and a terrible idea. By Bobby Ghosh
Threats
Mother of Kidnapped Journalist Sotloff Pleads to Baghdadi for Son’s Life
As the fate of kidnapped Americans complicates the U.S. fight against the Islamic State, Shirley Sotloff tells its leader her son is an innocent. By Kevin Baron
Threats
Why the Bombing of Tripoli Is a Game-Changer
For Washington, airstrikes by Egyptian and U.A.E. jets on Tripoli fighters signal a promising turn for regional players coordinating their own security. By Bobby Ghosh
Policy
Republicans Recycle ‘Containment’ Line for Obama’s Iraq Strategy
Republicans once again hit Obama for ‘containment’ – painting the president as weak for not doing more to attack the Islamic State. By Molly O’Toole
Threats
The Problem With Bombing the Islamic State in Syria
For all the problems with intervening militarily in Iraq, every one of them pale next to the problems of doing so in Syria. By Peter Beinart
Science & Tech
The Islamic State's Own Photos Were Just Used to Find One of Its Training Camps
A British journalist teamed up with analysts and reporters to determine exactly where Islamic State fighters train near the Tigris River in Mosul, Iraq. By Kabir Chibber
Ideas
Obama Insiders Frustrated Over Reluctance to Attack Syria and Iraq
The rise of the Islamic State group was not inevitable and the deaths they are causing could have been prevented. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Science & Tech
Could Cop Cams Have Prevented the Rise of the Islamic State?
The founder of Taser discusses the evolution of his company and its military future. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
Airstrikes Not Enough to Defeat ISIL, Hagel Says
Defense Secretary Hagel said the U.S. would continue to attack the Islamic State and keep all options open, but the Pentagon is looking for greater regional support and nonmilitary means. By Kevin Baron
Policy
GOP Hawks Come Out in Force Against Obama's 'Limited' Iraq Airstrikes
Senator John McCain and Texas governor Rick Perry are among the Republicans saying Obama is simply too soft on the Islamic State. By Russell Berman
Threats
Why America Should Declare War on the Islamic State
Obama's response to the terrorists of the Islamic State has been reactive and piecemeal so far. That must change. By James Kitfield
Threats
U.S. Military Tried to Rescue Foley; Obama Defies Threats With New Iraq Airstrikes
Obama defies the Islamic State's threats to kill more journalists as U.S. hit Iraq with more airstrikes and possibly 300 more troops. By Ben Watson
Policy
What Isolationists? Poll Finds Americans Like Air Strikes
The latest poll from the Pew Research Center finds an American public shifting its tone on intervention, much like the 1999 strikes against Serbia once did. By James M. Lindsay
Threats
When Fleeing War Is Illegal
Palestinians escaping Syria are being turned away by neighboring states, much like Iraq's Palestinians shortly after 2003. But relief today doesn't look like it did then. By Alice Su
Threats
What Makes a Pope Sign Off on War Today?
The pope on Monday endorsed use of force in Iraq to protect minorities. But he had one key caution in the name of preventing U.S. airstrikes from escalating into a broader conflict. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
U.S. Escalates Iraq Campaign With Barrage of Weekend Strikes for Mosul Dam
American jets, bombers and drones helped the Peshmerga wrestle back control of Iraq's largest dam from Islamic militants. Kurds say the Ninevah plains are next. By Ben Watson
Policy
Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki Agrees To Step Down
The writing was on the wall and embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki knew it. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Australia Joins Assistance Mission for Remaining 4,000 Iraqi Refugees
Cargo planes from the U.S., U.K. and now Australia are all taking turns keeping alive the remaining Iraqi civilians isolated on a mountaintop. By Bob Brewin
Threats
Obama Says Situation in Northern Iraq Now 'Greatly Improved'
While thousands of refugees are now safe, the larger concern about the rest of Iraq's security remains a dire and open question. By Matt Berman
Ideas
How Money Warps U.S. Foreign Policy
America's foreign policy is more elitist and insulated from public opinion than it has been in decades. And that’s a real problem for American democracy. By Peter Beinart
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