Threats

Obama's 'Counterterrorism Campaign' Is a Declaration of War

Obama's address was a striking escalation over his past rhetoric and indicates that the war against the Islamic State group is only just beginning. By George E. Condon, Jr.

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

Policy

The Risks and Rewards of Obama's 'No Ground Troops' Pledge

If the president's motive is politics, both hawks and doves have reason to be worried. By Ron Fournier

Threats

Here's What Often Happens After You Kill a Terrorist Leader

With history as our guide, here's what you can reasonably expect from al-Shabab after its leader was killed last week in a U.S. airstrike last week. By Kathy Gilsinan

Threats

Pentagon Confirms US Air Strike Killed Al-Shabab Leader

Monday’s U.S. air strike in Somalia killed the co-founder of the terrorist organization al-Shabab. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Pursuing the Islamic State to the Gates of Hell

America’s foreign-policy debate has turned in a way that could cause the Obama administration a great deal of trouble. By Peter Beinart

Threats

Al-Qaeda Looks to India to Resurrect Its Brand

Ayman al-Zawahiri turns his attention to a region that has rarely featured in his plans or his polemic, although he has lived there for more than two decades. By Bobby Ghosh

Policy

House Republicans Seek Their Own Strategy Against the Islamic State

Multiple GOP-led House committees will hold hearings next week aimed at drafting a plan to defeat the Islamic State group. By Daniel Newhauser

Threats

The Islamic State May Have Hit the Point of Diminishing Returns

As Iraqi security forces regain their footing, the Islamic State's use of terror is not enough to relieve the pressure they face on the battlefield. By Col. Clint Hinote

Ideas

It's Time for Better Options for Rescuing US Hostages

The murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff make it clear the U.S. needs alternative ways to save its own from terrorist hostage takers. By Rep. Duncan Hunter

Threats

US Strike Against Al-Shabab Leader Reflects Obama’s Counterterrorism Strategy

A targeted U.S. air strike against al-Shabab’s leader in Somalia is exactly how the Pentagon wants it to work in Africa and the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

The Summer of Obama's Caution and America's Discontent

Americans don't seem to like a hawkish president, but they definitely don't like a weak one, either. By Ron Fournier

Threats

Does Boko Haram Really Have Control Over a New Caliphate?

With international attention spread thin in recent weeks, it's hard to know whether or not Boko Haram's newly-announced caliphate even really exists. By John Campbell

Policy

How the U.S. and Europe Failed James Foley

The different U.S. and European approaches to abductions reflect a particularly grim fact confronting American citizens abroad. By David Rohde

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

A Short History of the Barbaric Terrorists of the Islamic State

How the Islamic State digressed from a Jordanian man's fantasy to an entire region's nightmare. By Bobby Ghosh

Ideas

The U.S. Needs More Drones

The threat from terrorism is changing in ways that make intelligence collection all the more important. By Paul Scharre

Threats

Obama OKs $10 Million for ‘Unforeseen Emergency’ in Africa

President Obama is sending France $10 million in military aid to bolster the fight against Islamic extremists in Mali, Niger and Chad. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

Why ISIL Is Worse Than Al-Qaeda

Is ISIL the new al-Qaeda or are they like the Taliban? Are they more like Hezbollah or Boko Haram? Or Hamas? All of the above, and much more. By Bobby Ghosh

Ideas

4 Rules of War from Al-Qaeda

The terrorist group lays out several lessons of warfare, captured in letters exchanged by two senior al-Aqeda leaders. Here's four of them. By Janine Davidson