National Security

ISIS Member with Flag

Did ISIL Arise Partly Because of Climate Change? Did ISIL Arise Partly Because of Climate Change?

Martin O’Malley was ridiculed by the right for correctly noting the role of climate-induced drought in causing Syria’s instability. The bad news is that this is only the beginning.

Jul 24, 2015 / Juan Cole

John Kerry Testimony

John Kerry Makes the Case on Capitol Hill for a Deal With Iran John Kerry Makes the Case on Capitol Hill for a Deal With Iran

It’s this deal or war, the secretary of state claimed.

Jul 23, 2015 / James Carden

Presidents Putin and Jinping

The Geopolitical Big Bang You Probably Don’t See Coming The Geopolitical Big Bang You Probably Don’t See Coming

China and Russia are gearing up to create an economic zone beyond Washington’s reach.

Jul 23, 2015 / Pepe Escobar

Irma Selz drawing

My Mother, the American War Hero My Mother, the American War Hero

My mother’s caricatures were more than just drawings—they were a symbol of the civilian mobilization that’s since disappeared from American wars.

Jul 21, 2015 / Tom Engelhardt

Obama Correspondents' Dinner

Luther the Anger Translator No Longer Needed as Obama Fights for the Iranian Deal Luther the Anger Translator No Longer Needed as Obama Fights for the Iranian Deal

Obama’s impatience with the stagecraft of the White House press conference hints at a long overdue rhetorical change.

Jul 17, 2015 / Leslie Savan

Iran Nuclear Deal Celebrations

Can Washington and Tehran Finally Escape Their Pathological Past? Can Washington and Tehran Finally Escape Their Pathological Past?

Yes, but only if they begin behaving like responsible governments instead of causes.

Jul 15, 2015 / Juan Cole

John Kerry Iran Deal

With the Nuclear Deal, the US and Iran Start a New Chapter With the Nuclear Deal, the US and Iran Start a New Chapter

Diplomacy prevailed over warmongering. But reactionary forces on all sides are still trying to scuttle the deal.

Jul 14, 2015 / Ali Gharib

Is Russia Really ‘the Greatest Threat’ to US National Security?

Is Russia Really ‘the Greatest Threat’ to US National Security? Is Russia Really ‘the Greatest Threat’ to US National Security?

Ashton Carter, Victoria Nuland, and Gen. Joseph Dunford want us to think so.

Jul 14, 2015 / James Carden

Drone over Afghanistan

The Side of Drone Warfare No One Is Talking About The Side of Drone Warfare No One Is Talking About

Low-level drone intelligence analysts are often straight out of high school and suffering from PTSD at alarming rates.

Jul 13, 2015 / Pratap Chatterjee

Putin and Jinping

Russia or China? Washington Can’t Decide Who’s a Bigger Threat Russia or China? Washington Can’t Decide Who’s a Bigger Threat

Knowing one’s enemy is usually considered the essence of strategic planning. Washington doesn’t know.

Jul 2, 2015 / Michael T. Klare

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