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How the Afghan Conflict Will Be Decided

Michael Hirsh | May 16, 2013

A horrific week for U.S. casualties reaffirms President Obama’s rush to rely on the Afghan army. But can they handle it?

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.

National Journal’s Hotline Gets an Upgrade and Redesign

May 14, 2013

National Journal has fully redesigned The Hotlinewith a brand new look, a user-friendly interface, and powerful political tracking tools. Subscribers will continue to enjoy The Hotline editors' irreverent and comprehensive look at political developments from across the country, presented alongside campaign news links from around the web, race-by-race polling data and demographic metrics in partnership with OhMyGov, a media monitoring and political analysis research firm.

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.

NATO’s Plan for Afghanistan Post-2014: A ‘Stable Instability’

Michael Hirsh | May 13, 2013

U.S., allies are talking about commitments through 2018 and beyond, says top commander.

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.

Syria Has Switched Off the Internet For the Second Time in 6 Months

Brian Fung | May 7, 2013

On Twitter, reports are coming in that the Syrian government has cut off Internet access to its citizens.

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?

How Democrats Could Blow Immigration

Rebecca Kaplan | May 2, 2013

In their zeal to reach an agreement with Republicans, party strategists risk alienating the usually reliable Black Caucus.

Iraq and Libya Haunt Obama's Syria Policy

Michael Hirsh | May 2, 2013

Weighed down by memories of Iraq and Libya, the president stands his ground.

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.

Obama Appears at a Loss to Define the Way Forward in Syria

Major Garrett | April 30, 2013

The fuzzy red lines and rhetoric blur what comes next.

Obama and O'Brien Cast Their Versions of D.C. White House Correspondents' Dinner

Esther Zuckerman - The Atlantic Wire | April 27, 2013

Both President Barack Obama and Conan O'Brien decided to cast Hollywood versions of D.C. at the White House Correspondents' Dinner this year. Obama's version was directed by Steven Spielberg, O'Brien's starred "Tan Mom" as John Boehner.

Don't Call the White House Correspondents' Dinner 'Nerd Prom'

Philip Bump - The Atlantic Wire | April 26, 2013

On Saturday night, Washington's media elite and the government they cover will sit down together for a meal, lots of drinks, and a few tame jokes. The annual event is formally known as the White House Correspondents' Dinner but over the last four years it has informally become "nerd prom." This is not accurate on either count: The Correspondents' Dinner is not a prom; its attendees are not nerds.

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."

What Will Max Baucus Do With His New Political Freedom?

Nancy Cook and Stacy Kaper and Chris Frates and Rebecca Kaplan contributed | April 23, 2013

The Montana senator's retirement could affect legislation on guns, taxes, immigration, and the debt ceiling. If only he'll agree with his fellow Democrats.

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.

Despite WMD Fears, Terrorists Are Focused on Conventional Attacks

Rachel Oswald | April 17, 2013

WASHINGTON – The United States has spent billions of dollars to prevent terrorists from obtaining a weapon of mass destruction even as this week’s bombings in Boston further show that a nuclear weapon or lethal bioagent is not necessary for causing significant harm.

George W. Bush Underwent Back Surgery, Spent January Recuperating

Tom DeFrank | April 11, 2013

43rd president now in good health as he prepares for library dedication.

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.

How to Get to Cuba If You're Not Beyonce and Jay-Z

Elahe Izadi | April 9, 2013

The duo's trip sparked congressional outrage, but it's probably legal.

Voices From a Pakistani Women's Shelter -- PICTURES

Elaine M. Grossman | April 8, 2013

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.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | March 22, 2013

The Sunday shows will cover a variety of topics this week, from the coming legal fight over same-sex marriage to President Obama's first trip to Israel as president. Check out the full listings: Sunday Meet the Press hosts New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre Face the Nat...

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.

Behind Obama’s Big 'No!' on Syria

Michael Hirsh | March 20, 2013

Despite terrible bloodshed and the risks of a wider war, the president is barely moving. Here’s why.

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.

Stop the Presses: Putting Public Documents Online Has Saved Taxpayers $16 Million

Brian Fung | March 19, 2013

Digitizing public documents isn’t just a way to monitor elected and appointed officials. It’s also a small way the country can save some money.

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.

How Personal Finance Can Help You Think About the Federal Budget

Niraj Chokshi | March 14, 2013

It may be an imperfect analogy, but that doesn’t mean that household financial planning can’t be a helpful way to understand this week's federal-budget fight.

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 Bibi Beat Barack

Adam B. Kushner | March 7, 2013

Obama desperately wants peace in Israel. Too bad there’s nothing he can do to force it.

Why Rand Paul Wouldn't Stop Talking

Kristin Roberts | March 6, 2013

Rand Paul took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to (so far successfully) filibuster President Obama’s nomination of John Brennan for CIA director. Why? He wants the White House to rule out killing Americans on U.S. soil without first providing them the due process promised by the Constitution.

Four Things to Know About Penny Pritzker, a Billionaire and Obama's Commerce Secretary Pick

Matt Vasilogambros | March 6, 2013

President Obama nominated Chicago mogul and longtime friend Penny Pritzker for Commerce secretary. Here’s what you need to know about her.

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.

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.

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