Threats

A Suspicious Death and Three Cyber Arrests Point to a New Twist in the US Election Hack

Some wonder why the Kremlin wanted this news out. Others called it 'too big not to leak.’

Threats

Putin is Accusing Turkey of Being an ISIS Ally—and He’s At Least Partly Right

The Islamic State group reportedly smuggles a large volume of oil via trader routes going almost exclusively through Turkey.

Threats

CIA Director: Paris Attacks Should Bring US, Russia Closer

In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, some high-profile unity is emerging among formerly tense geopolitical rivals.

Policy

Who Cares If Russia Helps Stabilize Syria

If Putin and Obama don't want a fight, Moscow and Washington should get over themselves and let this work.

Threats

The Other Group Looking Forward to the Era of the Iran Deal

Weapons companies - especially those from Russia and China - are standing by to upgrade Tehran's aging military equipment.

Policy

How China Is Building the Biggest Commercial-Military Empire in History

China’s outsized latticework of global infrastructure is said to be rooted in a fierce competitiveness learned from 19th-century America.

Threats

Saudi Arabia Gives Its Troops a Bonus As It Shakes Up Line of Succession

At a time of political and economic upheaval, Riyadh's King Salman elevates youthful relatives with serious security and military credentials.

Policy

The P5+1 Aren't All Aligned on Iran's Sanctions Relief

It's not just Iran vs. the West - Russia and China are siding with Tehran on a key issue.

Threats

Russian Opposition Leader Shot Dead in Moscow

The killing of a liberal former deputy prime minister leaves very few remaining Russian politicians to stand in opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Threats

Russia Is About To Absorb Part of Another Country

Ten months after annexing Crimea and igniting a standoff with the west, Russia will take control of neighboring Georgia's South Ossetia region. By Steve LeVine

Threats

Baghdad, Kurds Put Aside Differences To Secure Oil from Smugglers

Iraq finally closed a deal with the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region to rout oil sales through Baghdad in exchange for finally funding the Peshmerga fighters. By Steve LeVine

Policy

Hagel: The Easiest Man To Throw Overboard

In Obama’s national security team, Chuch Hagel was always the likeliest sacrificial offering. By Steve LeVine

Threats

What Iran Loses From the Failed Nuclear Talks

Tehran stands to lose billions in oil exports as the days without a deal drag on. By Steve LeVine

Threats

This Is the Roadmap for Closing a Nuclear Deal With Iran

Iran will likely wait out the clock on the Nov. 24 nuclear agreement while telling everyone it's no big deal. Here's what the U.S. can do in the meantime. By Steve LeVine

Threats

Where ISIS Is Taking a Big Hit

Coalition airstrikes aren't stopping ISIS from taking territory in Iraq and Syria, but they have cut affected the amount of black market oil money the group is pulling in. By Steve LeVine

Policy

The 'It's About Oil' Theory in Iraq Is Still Inaccurate

The idea that the U.S. is only in the Middle East for oil may seem like a seductive idea -- but it's a deeply misguided one as well. By Steve LeVine

Threats

Inside the U.S. Push to Keep Kurdish Oil Under Baghdad's Watch

American diplomatic muscle has kept 1 million barrels of Kurdistan's oil stuck at sea. But will it last? By Steve LeVine

Threats

Here’s How the U.S. Could Maximize Its Sanctions on Russia

America's shale gas boom presents an effective way to step up U.S. sanctions on Russia. Here's why it hasn’t happened yet. By Steve LeVine

Threats

When Pro-Russian 'Rebels' Become 'Terrorists'

Putin was already facing down a shaky relationship with much of the world. But the attack on Flight MH17 could be his worst setback to date. By Steve LeVine