Policy

Jeb Bush Is His Own Man -- And Most of His Competition -- on Foreign Policy

The U.S. “no longer inspires fear in our enemies” says Jeb Bush, painting Obama as indecisive, but saying little about what he’d do differently.

Policy

Bob Corker’s War

How a soft-spoken southern senator who built shopping centers became one of the most important figures in the war against the Islamic State.

Policy

Obama’s ISIS War Powers Request Has Few Limits on Who, Where, How

President Obama’s requested authorization for the use of force against ISIS has few limits on how, where, and whom the fight is against.

Policy

Ash Carter Sails Through Senate Armed Services Committee

The Senate Armed Services Committee voted unanimously to send on Ash Carter’s nomination for a full vote. Lawmakers want him in the Pentagon by week’s end.

Policy

Obama’s War Powers Request Expected to Spark New Debate This Week

New war powers for the Islamic State fight are expected any day now. They will unleash the first real debate on war in more than a decade.

Threats

President Obama's New National Security Strategy Isn't Actually New

Amid unprecedented security challenges, President Obama’s new national security strategy isn’t new: Strike a delicate balance between U.S. power and strategic patience.

Policy

Republicans Go Easy on Ash Carter, Keep Focus on White House

Instead of attacking Obama’s national security strategy, lawmakers mostly held off, deciding Ash Carter will have little impact on policy.

Policy

The Pentagon’s Weapon Wish Lists Could Disappear

The military’s billion-dollar wish lists for weapons that did not make it onto the Pentagon’s budget might disappear as lawmakers decide whether they’re worth it.

Policy

Joint Chiefs Warn Against Sequestration, Again

Like a tragic Greek chorus, the Joint Chiefs again warned of the dire consequences of sequestration, although Congress is unlikely to act.

Policy

Military Compensation Reform Commission Prompts a Divisive Debate

Thursday’s recommendations to overhaul military personnel system will set the stage for scrutiny on an outdated system.

Threats

AFRICOM Commander Wants Full Counterinsurgency Plan for Boko Haram

Gen. David Rodriguez wants to help Nigeria, but Abuja needs to ask and the U.S. needs a plan. By Kevin Baron and Molly O'Toole

Policy

Iran Sanctions Showdown Is Drawing New Battlelines in Congress

Iran sanctions are pitting hawk against hawk and party against president while aligning hardliners with moderates and libertarians with liberals. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Top HASC Republican Rebuffs Obama: Syria ‘Still a Bloody Mess’

House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry says the ‘ugly truth’ is there are few good options for defeating the Islamic State and saving Syria. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Obama: ‘Shadow of Crisis Has Passed’ As It Hangs Over US Foreign Policy

Under fire after security crises across the globe, President Obama takes the toughest line in American politics: stay the course. Is it the right one? By Molly O’Toole

Policy

GOP Leaders Say Romney ‘Vindicated’ on National Security

McCain, Ayotte and Portman say Romney has been ‘vindicated’ on foreign policy, but withhold endorsements as governor seeks national security credibility. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

GOP Senators Come Out Swinging on Guantanamo

Joint Chiefs Chairman Dempsey says closing Guantanamo is in the national interest. McCain says his positions are 'wrong' and 'ridiculous.' By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Feinstein's Uphill Battle To Permanently Ban the Use of Torture

After the release of the Senate ‘torture report,’ Feinstein faces a tough battle to make the ban permanent. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Obama Sidelines Mexico Security Issues During Presidential Visit

The U.S.-Mexico security partnership is threatened by accusations of corruption and human rights abuses. By Molly O’Toole