Ideas
Fight the Islamic State in Iraq? Sure. In Syria? Not So Much
There’s consensus in Washington about fighting the Islamic State in Iraq, but when it comes to Syria, things get messy. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
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
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
Ideas
The White House Must Delegate More National Security, Officials Say
To manage the many conflicts happening at once, the White House is urged to loosen its grip. By Gayle Tzemach Lemon
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
Ideas
It's the Afghan War, Not Bergdahl, That America Has Forgotten
It took the murky circumstances regarding a POW's return to remind us we are a nation at war. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Conditions on the Ground, Not Deadlines, Should Dictate Afghan Withdrawal
President Obama may want to end the war in Afghanistan, but ignoring the conditions on the ground while he’s packing up is a mistake. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Searching for the Obama Doctrine
In scolding his critics who want more military action, President Obama is overlooking his own supporters who want him to do more. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Threats
Gen. Allen: It’s Time Obama Commits To Staying in Afghanistan
Former war commander Gen. John Allen says the successful vote in Afghanistan shows why the U.S. can’t abandon the country now. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Threats
After Afghan Election, Debate Over Post-2014 Troops Continues
Military and diplomatic officials worry that the gains in Afghanistan will be lost if U.S. and NATO forces pack up and leave. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Iraq’s Do-Nothing Legacy
The 11th anniversary of the Iraq invasion finds U.S. leaders paralyzed and gun-shy to intervene anywhere in the Mideast. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Obama’s Foreign Policy Reality Check
The president who wants to shutter America’s wars finds that new conflicts keep opening for business. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
For Obama, Few Options in Syria
President Obama said there is no military solution for Syria, but sources say counterterrorism ops and direct arms are back on the menu of lousy options. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Military Force vs. Diplomacy: Can You Have One Without the Other?
Obama says the U.S. is entering a new era of reliance on diplomacy over military force. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Why It Matters that Gates Questions Obama’s Will in Afghanistan
Bob Gates’ memoir confirms what many long knew – the Obama administration has not embraced its own Afghanistan policies. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Obama’s Syria Policy in Disarray, Is Counterterrorism Next?
Syria’s opposition imploding “is a big problem,” warns Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Are U.S. counterterrorism operations inevitable? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
A Return to Stoning Won’t Help the Effort to Rebrand Afghanistan
Ryan Crocker, Peter Bergen, Steve Coll and other key national security figures are banding together to keep hope alive for Afghanistan's finale. Karzai isn't helping. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
Shutdown Creates Training ‘Gap’ for Afghanistan-Bound Troops
Commanders halt training for National Guard units deploying to Afghanistan next year, amid shutdown's pay freeze. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Business
Shutdown Shame: Denying Troop Death Benefits
The families of U.S. troops killed in combat during the shutdown will have to wait for an end to Washington’s gridlock to get emergency death benefits. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Business
Inside Obama’s Syria Deliberations: ‘The Promise of More Discussion’
Insiders detail a reluctance to engage in military action, and a disconnect between the president and the national security options prepared for his review. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
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