National Journal Topics | NationalJournal.com

Republican Trio Wants More Questions Answered on Benghazi

Kristin Roberts | May 23, 2013

Sens. John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Kelly Ayotte won’t drop it. Despite the White House’s release of Benghazi e-mails, the Republican trio has a long list of additional questions, all carrying serious political implications.

John Kerry in the Middle East: Eclipse of a Superpower?

James Kitfield | May 23, 2013

Doha, Qatar – Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in the Middle East on Thursday

Insiders Split on Edits of Benghazi Talking Points

Sara Sorcher | May 20, 2013

National Journal's National Security Insiders were split on whether the Obama administration's edits to remove any mention of terrorism from the original public statements on the Benghazi, Libya, attack that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens showed it deliberately tried to mislead the American public.

IRS, AP subpoena, Benghazi--and the Turkish Prime Minister Makes Obama's Life Worse

Matt Vasilogambros | May 16, 2013

The president's Rose Garden press conference.

You Want Angry? I'll Show You Angry, Obama Says on IRS Scandal

Beth Reinhard | May 15, 2013

Facing criticism from Republicans, the president reasserts his authority by pushing out the IRS's acting commissioner.

Hillary Clinton Has the Most to Lose From Obama's Scandals

Josh Kraushaar | May 15, 2013

It's not just Benghazi. By tying herself closely to Obama, she'll have trouble distancing herself if scandal worsens.

What Moscow's Arrest Says About U.S.-Russia Relationship

James Kitfield | May 14, 2013

As the U.S. and Russia go through the motions of expelling each other’s “diplomats” in the coming days, it’s likely they will only be pawns in a much bigger game.

Insiders Split on Whether White House Covered Up Benghazi Response

Sara Sorcher | May 13, 2013

National Security Insiders say the U.S. has made missions more secure in the wake of the attack.

Will the Benghazi and IRS Probes Do More Damage to Obama or the GOP?

Jill Lawrence | May 13, 2013

Impeachment talk and multiple investigations recall the Clinton era that Obama promised to avoid.

Play of the Day: Air Hockey Diplomacy

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | May 10, 2013

Fast forward to 2:00 to see how John Kerry and Vladimir Putin met to discuss important foreign policy.

Hillary Clinton's Allies Come to Her Rescue Over Benghazi

Michael Catalini | May 10, 2013

Paul Begala says Republican critics are wearing 'tin foil hats'. Ann Lewis blames the right-wing. Welcome to the 1990s.

Why Mexico Will Always Play Second Fiddle

George E. Condon Jr. | May 9, 2013

Like all presidents, Barack Obama says he wants a better relationship with his neighbors to the south. Then events get in the way.

Benghazi: Incompetence, But No Cover-up

Michael Hirsh | May 8, 2013

The hearings deepen the tragedy, but not the scandal.

Deputy Mission Chief Says He Was 'Stunned' by Rice's Early Depiction of Benghazi Attacks

Billy House | May 8, 2013

The top deputy to the U.S. ambassador killed during the attacks last September in Benghazi, Libya, said Wednesday he was “stunned” when U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said on talk shows days later that the incident stemmed from “demonstrations” sparked by protests over an anti-Islamic video.

The High Cost to the White House of Stonewalling on Benghazi

Kristin Roberts | May 8, 2013

On Wednesday, U.S. diplomat Gregory Hicks came to Congress with headline-worthy testimony. He told House Oversight that officials in Libya were denied permission to deploy special forces to counter the attacks that killed an American ambassador. Hicks is one of three officials brought in as “whistleblowers” to challenge the administration account of its handling of the incident last year.

Mitt Romney Was Right: Russia Is Our Biggest Geopolitical Foe

Michael Hirsh | May 7, 2013

Obama meets with South Korea’s president, but it’s Kerry’s sit-down with Putin that matters.

What to Expect at Wednesday’s Benghazi Hearing

Elahe Izadi | May 6, 2013

The White House's accounting of what transpired in Libya is expected to be contradicted by three self-described whistle-blowers.

Stopping Terrorism at the Source

Michael Hirsh | May 2, 2013

Two years ago, the Obama administration launched a plan to use American Muslims as an early-detection system to spot radicals. So why hasn’t it worked?

What Is a ‘Red Line’ Worth?

James Kitfield | May 2, 2013

Syria is testing the idea that nations can’t cross the United States. What happens if other countries copy it?

What You Need to Know About Obama's Trade Pick Mike Froman

Matt Vasilogambros | May 1, 2013

President Obama nominated one of his top national security advisers, Mike Froman, as the next U.S. trade representative on Thursday. Froman would replace Ron Kirk, who stepped down last month.

Doing Nothing in Syria Is Riskier Than Getting Involved

James Kitfield | April 26, 2013

One allied ambassador: "If you continue to hesitate, the costs will be much higher when you finally act."

Bob Corker Charts Leadership Course

Stacy Kaper | April 22, 2013

Sen. Bob Corker's independent voice on high-profile issues and scholarly devotion to studying policies he is interested in have made GOP leaders take notice of him and want to keep the Tennessee Republican close at hand — both to capitalize on his expertise and to watch his moves.

How Tamerlan Tsarnaev Might Have Been Stopped

Michael Hirsh | April 22, 2013

Did the Obama administration fail to follow up on Muslim community outreach programs?

Why John McCain Is Barack Obama’s New Best Friend

Jill Lawrence | April 18, 2013

The two have their eyes on history as they transcend years of friction. The upshot could be good for the country.

Internet Regulation Tests Bipartisanship

Brian Fung | April 17, 2013

When China and Russia last year proposed building a set of rules into a long-standing global-telecommunications regime, critics decried the idea as a way for governments to spy on their citizens. Both chambers of Congress unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution opposing it. Dozens of countries, including the United States, refused to sign the final international treaty.

Now, as part of a broader effort to address Internet regulation, the House Energy and Commerce Committee wants to institutionalize Washington’s position in the talks as official policy. It’s one of those rare moments at which Democrats and Republicans find themselves in alliance based on their respective beliefs, rather than out of political expediency. Democrats see the issue as mainly about civil liberties; for the GOP, it’s about blocking government overreach. When China and Russia last year proposed building a set of rules into a long-standing global-telecommunications regime, critics decried the idea as a way for governments to spy on their citizens. Both chambers of Congress unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution opposing it. Now, as part of a broader effort to address Internet regulation, the House Energy and Commerce Committee wants to institutionalize Washington’s position in the talks as official policy.

7 Things to Know About Obama's Budget

Matthew Cooper | April 10, 2013

You’ll see a lot about the aggregate budget size of $3.8 trillion. But here are the things that are really worth knowing.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | April 5, 2013

North Korea, a poor jobs report and President Obama's budget take front stage this weekend on the Sunday shows. But that doesn't mean long term issues don't have prominent roles. Immigration and gun control still remain hot topics and will be a focus on the shows as well. Obama adviser Dan Pfeiffer...

Why Washington and Moscow Still Don't Trust Each Other

Olga Belogolova | April 4, 2013

I left the USSR in 1991. Going back showed that Cold War stereotypes don’t fade—even with time.

The Man Who Could Put Climate Change on the Agenda

Coral Davenport | April 4, 2013

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough has a record against global warming—and the president's ear.

How the U.S. Could Cool Tensions With North Korea

Rachel Oswald | April 2, 2013

It's not too late. Regional experts say that the United States should seek to engage the DPRK.

From a Bloody Battle in Afghanistan to the Pitchers Mound at Nationals Park

Ben Terris | April 1, 2013

Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Opening Day on Monday.

Public Show Over, Obama Turns to Private Diplomacy in Middle East

George E. Condon Jr. | March 25, 2013

President Obama’s highly visible trip to the Middle East was seen as a timely and badly needed shot of public diplomacy in the world’s most volatile region. But what happens behind the scenes and out of public view now that the president is back in the United States may be even more critical to the decades-old American quest to forge stable peace between Israel and her neighbors.

Pakistan's 'Strategic Pivot' May Not Include Reforming Its Nuclear Policies

Elaine M. Grossman. | March 22, 2013

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The Pakistani military and the nation’s recently dissolved government have been touting a “strategic pivot” toward increased cooperation and transparency with regional neighbors, but it is far from clear whether these major shifts would affect Islamabad’s nuclear weapons.

The Jerusalem Gambit

George E. Condon Jr. | March 21, 2013

Obama went in with two messages: "We're with you" and "Get real." He may have just pulled it off.

Hillary Clinton's Global Feminist Legacy

Jill Lawrence | March 21, 2013

Her tenure at State may have lacked a bold diplomatic achievement. But posterity will remember her efforts to help women.

On the Move: March 23, 2013

Christopher Snow Hopkins and Mike Magner | March 21, 2013

Kelly Nallen is American Crossroads' new director of digital. Former Hillary Clinton collaborator Kris Balderston is a senior partner at Fleishman-Hillard. Onetime DeLay policy director Juliane Sullivan heads the House Education and the Workforce staff.

Empty-Handed Tourist?

Major Garrett | March 19, 2013

JERUSALEM — President Obama arrives in Israel less burdened than any previous U.S. president by the diplomatic malignancy known as the peace process.

Obama and Netanyahu: It's Complicated

Matt Vasilogambros | March 19, 2013

A look at some of the ups and mostly downs of the relationship between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Personal Frictions Loom Over Obama's Trip to Israel

George E. Condon Jr. | March 19, 2013

It is widely believed that this American president and Israeli prime minister simply don’t like each other. And the personal always has a bearing on the policy.

The Next Arab Challenge

Michael Hirsh | March 14, 2013

Two years after the Middle East revolts, the Obama administration has mounted no real effort to understand the dynamics of political Islam.

Outsourcing the Fight Against Terrorism

James Kitfield | March 7, 2013

The United States is using local soldiers to fight al-Qaida allies in East Africa.

How Obama Fumbled Afghanistan

Michael Hirsh | March 5, 2013

How Obama stymied his own special envoy, Richard Holbrooke, and fumbled the administration's Afghanistan policy.

The 6 Species of Secretaries That Will Define Obama's Term

Matthew Cooper | March 5, 2013

The president has made most of his top administration picks. Here's how they all fit into his second term.

Why We Should Take Dennis Rodman More Seriously

Michael Hirsh | March 4, 2013

If the only way to begin the drama between the U.S. and North Korea is with a clown show, then a weird, unemployed basketball star surely works as well as anyone else.

If Nixon Can Go to China ...

Michael Hirsh | March 3, 2013

Why can't Obama go to Iran? Because in Washington, good ideas can often be toxic.

Former Iran Hostages Are Still Seeking Justice

Jill Lawrence | February 28, 2013

'Argo' won the Oscar. But the 52 Americans held captive for another 14 months didn't get their feel-good ending.

'Argo' Is Great, but 52 Former American Hostages Are Still Looking for Justice

Jill Lawrence | February 24, 2013

33 years ago, 52 Americans went through hell in Iran. Now they and their survivors are pushing Congress for action.

Obama Administration Reaches Out to Local Governments to Spread Its Climate Message

Coral Davenport | February 24, 2013

President Obama used his Inaugural Address and State of the Union speech to issue the boldest, clearest call to action on climate change ever voiced by a sitting U.S. president—but don’t expect him to barnstorm across the country with that message.

On the Move

Christopher Snow Hopkins and Mike Magner | February 21, 2013

Angela Rye launches a new lobby shop, Impact Strategies. Domingo Herraiz is Motorola's new VP of North American government affairs. Campaign insider Tharon Johnson joins McKenna Long & Aldridge.

The Hidden Obstacles to Legal Immigration Reform

Major Garrett | February 19, 2013

If you think questions of legalization, border security, and fundamental party politics are the biggest obstacles to immigration reform, think again.

Chuck Hagel, Strategic Thinker

Michael Hirsh | February 19, 2013

It looks awfully likely that Chuck Hagel will squeak through confirmation as President Obama's Defense secretary. But it is also likely that he'll enter the Pentagon a damaged figure, a nominee tainted by the lingering impression that he is not ready to handle the vast complexities of a defense budget slated for slashing.

Easy Ride Expected for Jack Lew at Confirmation Hearing

Niraj Chokshi | February 11, 2013

Jacob Lew is nothing if not prepared.

John Brennan’s Love-Hate Relationship With Drones

Michael Hirsh | February 7, 2013

The CIA nominee wants to dump the drones program on the Pentagon, but Defense nominee Chuck Hagel won't be happy about that.

Don't Expect Much From Obama's Trip to Israel

Michael Hirsh | February 6, 2013

The White House plays down expectations for peace between Israel and the Palestinians—and it should.

Insiders: White House Should Develop Rules for Drone Program

Sara Sorcher | February 4, 2013

A strong 87 percent majority of National Journal's National Security Insiders say that the White House should develop formal rules for the drone program targeting terrorists overseas.

Need Proof That Joe Biden Is Running for President? Look At His Staff.

Jim O'Sullivan | January 31, 2013

The veep wants his boss’s job in 2016. For evidence, just look at the staff.

When Can the U.S. Kill Americans? The White House Won't Say.

Sara Sorcher | January 31, 2013

The administration refuses to say why it thinks it can kill American terrorists abroad—even to the lawmakers entitled to know.

President Obama's Immigration Reform Plan (Full Text)

National Journal Staff | January 29, 2013

The White House has released a synopsis of the president's immigration proposals.

Could John Kerry Broker a Mideast Peace Deal? Probably Not

Matt Vasilogambros | January 28, 2013

John Kerry says he’s hopeful that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be resolved during his tenure as secretary of State. But that hope, shared by President Obama, might be a pipe dream.

Why Obama Thanked Hillary

Michael Hirsh | January 28, 2013

The president's former political rival journeyed a long, hard road to loyalty.

Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton End Marriage of Convenience with "60 Minutes" Lovefest

Ron Fournier | January 27, 2013

In a “60 Minutes” interview raising eyebrows in status-obsessed Washington, outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said she and President Obama buried the hatchet after their 2008 campaign “because we both love our country.” Obama called Clinton one of the greatest diplomats in U.S. history.

Obama, Clinton End Marriage of Convenience with '60 Minutes' Lovefest

Ron Fournier | January 27, 2013

Obama dismissed "incorrigable' chatter about 2016 but fuels Clinton-Biden speculation with TV chat.

Sobering Lessons for the Afghan Pullout in Paris Peace Accord Anniversary

James Kitfield and Sara Sorcher | January 25, 2013

Even as the Obama administration and the Afghan government are locked in intense negotiations over the terms of the withdrawal of U.S. troops after a decade of war, the United States is approaching a sobering milestone. January 27 will mark the 40th anniversary of the 1973 Paris Peace Accords ending America’s long war in Vietnam. By August of that year U.S. combat troops had pulled out of the country, though Washington continued to backstop South Vietnamese forces with airpower and other support.

On White House Staff, Obama Chooses Loyalty Over Change

George E. Condon Jr. | January 25, 2013

In turning to “one of my closest friends” for his next White House chief of staff and in naming more members of his White House team who are known quantities, President Obama showed Friday that he has, as he recently claimed, indeed studied the literature of second-term presidencies.

Kerry’s Task: Closing the Arab ‘Pandora’s Box’

Michael Hirsh | January 24, 2013

His tenure at State may well be defined by how he handles a vast new jihadist haven.

Why John Kerry Is the Ultimate Comeback Kid

Matthew Cooper | January 24, 2013

He’s the right man for the Secretary of State job, but he has to be sure not to get "Swift-Boated" again.

With Friends Like Chuck Norris and Donald Trump, How Did Netanyahu Not Do Better?

Cory Bennett | January 24, 2013

Last night on The Daily Show, Jon Stewart unearthed some terrific campaign videos from the recent Israeli elections. Apparently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has some American friends in high places. "Israel has its own tough guy," a campaign ad starts off. "His name is Bibi Neta...

Kerry's Confirmation Kicks Off

January 24, 2013

CongressWhite HouseNational SecurityPoliticsEnergyEconomy & BudgetHealth Care TOP FIVE KERRY’S CONFIRMATION KICKS OFF. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today, the committee that he chairs, for a hearing on his own confirmation as secretary...

John Kerry, Diplomat in Waiting, Waits No More

Matt Vasilogambros | January 24, 2013

Over nearly three decades in the Senate and especially during the past four years of the Obama administration, John Kerry has often played the role of the calm diplomat and the closer in negotiations. Now, Kerry is hoping to use that experience as the next secretary of State.

Obstacles Kerry Will Face in the Aftermath of Israel's Election

Michael Hirsh | January 23, 2013

Despite his ambitions and Bibi’s weakness, the hurdles as the new secretary of State remain huge.

Israel’s Election and the Perils of Third Parties

Robert M. Danin and Council on Foreign Relations | January 23, 2013

Israel’s political landscape, where third parties often burn out like a supernova, has once again been shaken by its hyper-democracy.

9 Things You Want to Know About Hillary Clinton's Testimony--and 1 You Need to Know

Matthew Cooper | January 23, 2013

The scuffles, the praise, the questions about Benghazi—it all came out this morning, and so did an ominous warning about al-Qaida.

Hillary Clinton Testifies on Benghazi: Full Text of Her Opening Statement

National Journal Staff | January 23, 2013

The State Department released a transcript of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's testimony opening statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.

Why Benjamin Netanyahu Will Be the Big Loser in Israel's Election

Michael J. Koplow - The Atlantic | January 22, 2013

The current and future prime minister will be stuck with a coalition that's doomed to fail.

7 Pressing Foreign Policy Challenges for Obama’s 2nd Term

Caren Bohan and Matt Vasilogambros | January 21, 2013

Now that President Obama's inaugural festivities are over, he will turn his attention to tackling gun control, immigration, climate change and a series of looming budget confrontations with Republicans. Obama and his aides hope that the winding down of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will help him maintain a focus on domestic priorities.

Who Is Denis McDonough, Obama's Expected Pick for Chief of Staff?

Caren Bohan | January 17, 2013

President Obama is poised to tap Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough to become his next chief of staff, turning to a member of his close inner circle to fill one of the most important jobs in his administration.

Why Morsi’s Comments Are Irrelevant to Mideast Peace

Michael Hirsh | January 16, 2013

The reflexive response of many in the pro-Israel community to anti-Semitic comments from Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi was predictable: See? Didn’t we tell you? This just shows how impossible it is to deal with these people. Whatever hopes that Secretary of State-to-be John Kerry had for restarting peace talks in a region he has long had a passion for—the Mideast—will not likely be realized, at least with Morsi playing the broker. But that may be an overreaction.

What Obama's Chief of Staff Pick Will Say About His Management Style

Caren Bohan | January 15, 2013

Denis McDonough, who has the inside track to succeed Jacob Lew as White House chief of staff, has years of experience on Capitol Hill and is part of an inner circle of trusted aides who have worked with President Obama since his 2008 campaign.

Vast Majority of National Security Insiders Want Hagel, Brennan Confirmed

Sara Sorcher | January 14, 2013

Washington is abuzz with speculation about whether hawks’ opposition will derail the confirmation of former Sen. Chuck Hagel as Defense secretary. But 82 percent of National Journal’s National Security Insiders support it.

What Obama's Missing in Afghanistan

Michael Hirsh | January 14, 2013

More than troops, the president needs a strategy in the region--and a diplomat.

Political Insiders: Republicans Divided on How to Address Gay Marriage

Alex Roarty and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | January 10, 2013

Plus, Democrats aren't sold that Chuck Hagel is President Obama's best choice for Defense secretary.

Obama’s Betting on Chuck Hagel, Unlike With Susan Rice

Jim O'Sullivan | January 10, 2013

The president is fighting for the war hero and former senator in a way he didn’t for his first pick for secretary of State.

Can Obama and Karzai Avoid Iraq Redux?

James Kitfield | January 10, 2013

Friday's meeting will focus on the last two outstanding issues concerning America’s longest-ever war: how fast to withdraw the remaining troops, and what, if any, residual U.S. force to leave behind.

Is Jack Lew A Friend to Wall Street?

Michael Hirsh | January 10, 2013

Like Tim Geithner, the new Treasury nominee may owe his views to Robert Rubin. So don't expect him to pursue much in the way of bank reform.

Blocking Lew Gets the GOP Nowhere in Debt Ceiling Fight

Stacy Kaper | January 8, 2013

Republicans have made it clear. They are looking for a pound of flesh in the form of spending cuts in exchange for solving the next fiscal-crisis-in-waiting -- the debt ceiling. And while some aides might whisper about blocking a Treasury nominee to gain leverage, the GOP won't win on the debt ceiling -- even optically -- by employing that tactic.

The Perils of Being Aloof

Ron Fournier | January 8, 2013

Another lesson that Barack Obama (and Chuck Hagel) could learn from Abraham Lincoln: Embrace your rivals

Group Formed to Aid Hagel Folds

Shane Goldmacher | January 7, 2013

A political nonprofit that sprouted to solicit cash to defend Chuck Hagel in his bid for Defense secretary is already folding up shop.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | January 4, 2013

On the heels of a fiscal cliff deal, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will head to Meet the Press, Face the Nation and This Week to discuss the deal. He'll also talk about the upcoming challenges to the new Congress. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi will be on Face the Nation talking about...

Biden May Be the Most Influential Vice President Ever

Michael Hirsh | December 31, 2012

But in a sign of just how important a figure the vice president has become in Washington, Biden’s absence until now has been one reason that Republicans doubted Obama’s seriousness about cutting a deal, my colleague Chris Frates reported last week.

What Obama is Going to Say on Meet The Press

Chris Frates | December 30, 2012

On a decisive day in the fiscal cliff talk, President Obama used his appearance on NBC's Meet the Press to remind Republicans that he'll use all the pulpits at his disposal to bully them into accepting a deal and, failing that, blame them for sending the nation over the cliff.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | December 28, 2012

With the edge of the fiscal cliff in full view, President Obama will appear on Meet the Press Sunday. Obama hasn't been on Meet the Press, the highest rated of the Sunday shows, since September 20, 2009. The other Sunday shows will also focus on the fiscal cliff as well as look forward to 2013. Sen...

In the 'War on Terror', Hagel Hasn't Gone with the Crowd

Michael Hirsh | December 27, 2012

The truth about Chuck Hagel is that he saw before most that America was embarking on an unparalleled strategic disaster.

Congress Has Outsized Influence Over Obama's Cabinet

Reid Wilson | December 25, 2012

President Obama is allowing the personnel moves that will become critical in forming his foreign policy legacy to be influenced -- even decided -- by Congress

White House Wavers on Hagel, Considers Others for Defense

Michael Hirsh | December 23, 2012

Besieged by criticism from right and left, and considerable skepticism from his former Senate colleagues, Chuck Hagel appears to be following the path of Susan Rice as a trial-balloon nominee who finds himself quickly losing altitude in Washington. And as happened with Rice, the White House is now signaling that it may soon puncture Hagel's hopes.

Full Text: President Obama Nominates John Kerry as Secretary of State

National Journal Staff | December 21, 2012

The White House released a transcript Friday of President Obama's nomination of Senator John Kerry as Secretary of State. Read the full text below:

Ambition and Anguish Drive John Kerry

Michael Hirsh | December 21, 2012

What kind of secretary of State will John Kerry be? The best answer to that question probably lies in something Kerry said 41 years ago, long before he became a politician—a statement that is still, unquestionably, the most memorable thing Kerry has ever said.

Republicans Win With Secretary of State John Kerry

Sara Sorcher | December 21, 2012

Ever since United Nations ambassador Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration, observers on Capitol Hill correctly assumed President Obama’s short list for secretary of State had narrowed to one person: Sen. John Kerry. After all, Obama was genuinely conflicted between the two, and Rice’s withdrawal meant the choice was effectively made for him-- with the added bonus, of course, that Senate Republicans would back the well-respected Massachusetts Democrat.

Benghazi-gate May Be Drawing Down

Sara Sorcher | December 20, 2012

If you’ve been following the political fallout from the Benghazi, Libya, terrorist attack that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens, you’ll remember the last public hearing on Capitol Hill in mid-October. That House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing lasted four hours and was dominated by mudslinging and accusations on all sides. Republicans excoriated their Obama administration's witnesses for delaying to call the Sept. 11 assault a terrorist attack, as Democrats fired back at Republicans for conducting an extremely partisan investigation. On the witness stand, State Department official Charlene Lamb looked shaky as Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., insinuated that the department's decision to replace U.S. personnel with local Libyan security may have ultimately resulted in the casualties in the attack.

Where’s Obama in the Benghazi Report?

Michael Hirsh | December 19, 2012

The Pickering-Mullen report gave no sense of who was responsible farther up the chain.

Manufacturers Troubled by Prospect of Exporting More Natural Gas

Coral Davenport | December 6, 2012

The administration appears poised to allow increased gas sales overseas. It will expand America’s influence, but it carries economic risk.

Rising Freshman: Ann Wagner Goes to Head of the Class

Shane Goldmacher | November 26, 2012

Before Ann Wagner even won her seat in the House, the Missouri Republican already had reached out to introduce herself to the other 34 members of the incoming GOP class. She had contributed money to some, campaigned for others, and chatted amiably with still more.

What's Next for Syria?

Yochi J. Dreazen | June 18, 2012

The Obama administration has accused Russia of shipping refurbished attack helicopters to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and National Journal reported this week that tiny Belarus is helping Assad improve the accuracy of its surface-to-surface missiles. That support has allowed Assad's armed forces to retain a massive military advantage over the ragtag and poorly-organized Free Syrian Army. On the diplomatic front, Russia continues to back Assad and shield him from meaningful sanctions. With the violence there continuing to escalate, is Assad likely to be forced from power in the foreseeable future? Should the U.S. provide arms and training assistance to the Free Syrian Army in the hopes that it will evolve into a force capable of taking on Assad's forces? Do you expect Washington and its allies to eventually choose to intervene militarily in Syria despite the risks of doing so?

U.S., Taliban: Karzai Last Hurdle to Peace Talks

Olga Belogolova | January 12, 2012

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is one of last remaining roadblocks to U.S. peace talks with the Taliban, which could ramp up in the coming weeks, according to reports citing U.S. officials and the Taliban.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Reinventing Iraq

March 22, 2003

A country called Iraq has existed only since 1919. But some cities in that land were already 16 centuries old when the nearby Egyptians built their pyramids. Bureaucrats in Mesopotamia, as the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was known, began keeping written records in 3400 B.C. And despite three decades of political repression, economic mismanagement, and military disaster under Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, Iraq today-unlike Afghanistan in 2001, Yugoslavia in 1995, and Germany in 1945-is not a "failed state." (See "Occupational Hazards," this issue.) From food-distribution systems to local police forces, essential institutions and infrastructures have survived Saddam, albeit barely, and they will survive a war that successfully ousts him. So the good news is that Iraq will not have to start over from scratch. Unfortunately, the bad news is also that Iraq will not be able to start over from scratch.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Collateral Damage

March 15, 2003

The first American war against Iraq, fought a dozen years ago, produced an overwhelming, if transitory, U.S. victory, while also popularizing several phrases that slipped almost lightheartedly into the world's lexicon. But if the U.S. military's new "smart bombs" helped make a mockery of Saddam Hussein's bluster about winning "the mother of all battles," there was nothing funny about "collateral damage," the Pentagon's time-honored euphemism for the killing and wounding of everyday Iraqi people with cruise missiles and airpower.

NJ Topics Diplomacy

Follow National Journal