Ideas
When War Zones Become Travel Destinations
'People come here every day to see the show,' says one tourism agent who brings spectators to the Syrian border. By Debra Kamin
Threats
Iron Dome—Savior, or Sales Job?
A brief comparison of some of the ways Western media outlets have portrayed Israel's high-profile anti-rocket system. By James Fallows
Policy
Senate Defense Bill Doubles Obama’s Request for Israel’s Iron Dome
As rockets fly over Israel and Gaza, Congress is doubling its spending on Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
What Would Reagan Do In Iraq?
Rand Paul and Rick Perry each claim to be the Gipper’s heir in the Middle East. Who's right? By Peter Beinart
Threats
Why Hamas Chooses Rockets Over Nation Building
With the prospects for a two-state solution looking hopelessly dim, what does Hamas stand to gain by firing rockets at the civilians of its militarily powerful neighbor? By Jeffery Goldberg
Ideas
The One Thing the U.S. Can't Train the Iraqi Army To Do
The U.S. has trained the Iraqi military for years. But there’s one thing you can’t teach an army to do. By Lt. Gen. Robert Gard
Ideas
A Chance to Drive a Wedge Between Jihadists and Sunnis
ISIL’s overreach into Iraq is Washington’s opportunity to shift Sunni allegiances for good. By Dave Miller
Threats
When Millennials Intifada: The New Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Today's young adults see the fighting -- and chance for peace -- much differently than their elders. By Jeff Moskowitz
Threats
Hagel Declares ISIL Clear and 'Imminent Threat’ To U.S.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warns Americans – and skeptical lawmakers – that the extremists carving up Iraq and Syria threaten ‘every stabilized country on Earth.’ By Ben Watson
Threats
Former Bush Advisers Push Old Candidate Chalabi for New Iraq
Bush insiders think the man who gave U.S. officials false intelligence on Iraq more than a decade ago just might be the man to bring order to the political instability that plagues the country now. By Clara Ritger
Threats
Al-Qaeda's New Bomb Might Make It Through Airport Security
U.S. intelligence officials believe al-Qaeda's Yemeni branch has created a way to move explosives past airport security -- and foreign airports should take note. By Global Security Newswire
Ideas
‘You Have to Kill Them’ Says Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq
America can ‘twiddle our thumbs’ no longer, say former U.S. ambassadors in the region. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Threats
Dempsey Says Iraq Can’t Beat ISIL, Won’t Rule Out More U.S. Troops
Don’t call it ‘mission creep’ in Iraq, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dempsey says, call it ‘mission match.’ By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Why the U.N. Is Likely Underestimating the Iraq Death Toll
Before we can prevent deaths in Iraq, we first have to learn to count them correctly. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
The Rise and Fall of Our Man in Baghdad
How Washington made Nouri al-Maliki, then lost control of it's Middle East strongman. By David Rohde, Warren Strobel, Missy Ryan and Ned Parker
Ideas
U.S. Power and the Future of Arab Democracy
From the Aspen Ideas Festival, how can we get to a political solution in the Middle East without the credible use of force? By J.J. Gould
Threats
Obama Sends Another 300 U.S. Troops to Iraq
Increasingly worried about the unraveling security situation in Iraq, President Obama puts more boots on the ground. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Taking the Long View on Iraq
Three experts at the Aspen Ideas Festival discuss why it may take decades before the Middle East stabilizes from the current crisis in Iraq. By Uri Friedman
Threats
Obama’s Going To Have To Get His Hands Dirty To Save Iraq
For a president who has made winding down conflicts a key element of his foreign policy, Obama may have to choose an uncomfortable way forward to help stabilize Iraq. By James Oliphant
Threats