Ideas

Is Obama’s ‘Iraq First’ Strategy Working Against ISIS?

The Obama administration believes it can tackle problems in Iraq first, then Syria, but will that make things better or worse down the road? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Stephanie Gaskell

Business

CIA Director Brennan Tries To Put Torture In the Past

In a rare news conference, CIA Director John Brennan reacts to the release of the Senate’s report on torture. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

Obama Brings Ash Carter Back To Lead the Pentagon

The former Pentagon No. 2 vows to give President Obama his ‘most candid military advice.’ By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Is Resigning

The defense secretary is leaving the top post at the Pentagon after less than two years in office. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Obama Doubles Number of Troops for Iraq Mission to 3,000

The Obama administration is reevaluating the operation against ISIL in Iraq, where months of air strikes there and in neighboring Syria have seen little effect. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Will Afghanistan Become the ‘Forgotten War’ Again?

As the U.S. military draws down in Afghanistan after 13 years of war, history shows it can’t take anything for granted. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Report: Mortars Land in Baghdad’s Green Zone

Islamic State fighters are closing in on the Iraqi capital. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Congress Backs Strikes in Syria, But Emphasizes Allied Support

Congress members largely support air strikes in Syria, but urge President Obama to keep his allies in the fight. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Air Strikes in Syria Are ‘Only the Beginning’

President Obama says he’s willing to do what it takes to destroy Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria, drawing the U.S. back into war in the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

US Begins Air Strikes in Syria

A year after President Obama drew a red line over the use of chemical weapons, the U.S. military conducts air strikes in Syria. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

With a New Afghan Leader in Place, Is a US Troop Deal Next?

There’s a new president in Afghanistan. Now U.S. military leaders need his signature on a deal to allow U.S. troops to stay. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Gen. Allen To Manage Obama's Strategy Against the Islamic State

Retired Marine Corps Gen. John Allen is President Obama’s point man on the mission to destroy the Islamic State. By Stephanie Gaskell

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

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

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

U.S. Air Strikes Continue in Iraq

President Obama says the crisis in Iraq will ‘take some time’ to solve, as the military conducts nearly a dozen targeted military strikes against ISIL. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Pentagon Says More Strikes Are Possible in Iraq

The Pentagon is prepared for more strikes against ISIL, possibly in Baghdad where the U.S. has many assets. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

U.S. Bombs Islamic Fighters in Northern Iraq

President Obama ordered the U.S. military to carry out targeted airstrikes against Islamic extremists who are rapidly advancing in the Kurdish capital of Irbil. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

U.S. General Killed in Brazen Insider Attack in Afghanistan

A U.S. Army major general killed by an Afghan soldier is the highest-ranking American casualty in the war in Afghanistan. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

U.S. Evacuates Embassy in Libya

Ongoing violence between Libyan militias forced the State Department to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli on Saturday. By Stephanie Gaskell