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Under Pressure, the White House Releases More Than 100 Pages of Benghazi E-Mails

George E. Condon Jr. | May 15, 2013

The White House, in an effort to calm the swirl of controversy about the reaction to last year’s attacks on U.S. diplomats in Benghazi, Libya, late Wednesday released more than 100 pages of e-mails leading to the development of talking points that attempted to explain the violence that left four Americans dead. The e-mails had earlier been shown to members of Congress but the White House had resisted releasing them, citing the precedent of protecting internal discussions within an administration.

Eric Holder in the Hot Seat as Congress Probes Scandals

Rebecca Kaplan and Kristin Roberts | May 15, 2013

The Attorney General is on Capitol Hill on today for a show of fireworks that could be unlike any seen in this Congress so far.

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.

Obama's Outrage Focused on Republicans More Than IRS

George E. Condon Jr. | May 13, 2013

At press briefing with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Obama slams Benghazi investigation as partisan.

Benghazi: Incompetence, But No Cover-up

Michael Hirsh | May 8, 2013

The hearings deepen the tragedy, but not the scandal.

Play of the Day: A Look at 2016

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | May 7, 2013

Fast forward to 3:10 to see Fallon compare the two on important issues.

5 Ways the Boston Bombings Altered the Political Debate

Michael Catalini | April 25, 2013

From immigration to drones, the attacks had an impact on the presidential agenda.

The White House Is Right: Tsarnaev Should Be Tried As a Civilian

James Oliphant | April 23, 2013

The only surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bomb case will be represented by counsel and arraigned, just like any other criminal defendant.

Insiders: Boston Bombings Should Not Change Terror Policies for Soft Targets

Sara Sorcher | April 22, 2013

Two-thirds of National Journal's National Security Insiders said the U.S. government does not need to reassess its policies to prevent attacks at high-profile events in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings. But Insiders' opinions are more evenly divided on U.S. intervention in Syria.

What Books Do Gitmo Detainees Read?

Matt Vasilogambros | April 18, 2013

What do a suspected terrorist and a 10-year-old child have in common? They might be reading the Harry Potter books.

How the Government Searches for the Boston Marathon Bomber

James Kitfield | April 17, 2013

The post-9/11 record strongly suggests that the U.S. authorities will indeed get their man.

Who Is Lisa Monaco, the White House's Counterterrorism Adviser?

Sara Sorcher | April 16, 2013

President Obama's homeland-security point person deals with the Boston Marathon bombings in her first weeks on the job.

Invasion of the Drones Has Senate Panel’s Attention

Sara Sorcher | March 20, 2013

Like it or not, drones are coming to American skies. Now Congress must find a way to protect the right to privacy.

The Art of Denying Cabinet Rumors

Matt Vasilogambros | March 11, 2013

White House press secretary Jay Carney leaves Cabinet announcements to the man who actually makes the nominations: President Obama. Reporters know this, but it doesn’t stop them from asking about rumored candidates anyway.

National Security Insiders: It's Possible for Congress to Oversee Drone Program

Sara Sorcher | March 11, 2013

Plus: A narrow majority says Chuck Hagel will be a good Defense secretary.

Paul's Filibuster Draws Divisions Within GOP

Stacy Kaper and Sara Sorcher | March 7, 2013

It might not be a sign of an overnight upheaval in the leadership of Republican defense orthodoxy, but Sen. Rand Paul’s long filibuster questioning drone use in the U.S. struck a civil libertarian nerve that is illuminating divisions within GOP ranks.

Labrador Says Reform More Important Than Political Gain

Fawn Johnson | March 5, 2013

At least one Republican leader on immigration in the House is ready to allow President Obama and Democrats to take credit for any reform efforts that might pass this year.

Rand Paul: 'We Shouldn't Be Crisscrossing the Skies With Drones'

Sara Sorcher | February 28, 2013

The senator is concerned about the administration's use of drones for surveillance—and targeted killing—in the U.S.

What’s in the Secret Drone Memos

Michael Hirsh and Kristin Roberts | February 22, 2013

Sources say the Obama administration won’t release them because of classified agreements with foreign governments.

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.

Fewer Afghan Civilians Are Being Killed, But Drones Are on the Rise

Matt Vasilogambros | February 19, 2013

The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan released an annual report on the protection of civilians on Tuesday showing that while the number of civilian deaths in the conflict has decreased in the last year, there has been an increase in the number of deaths from drone strikes — a heated issue that has received greater attention in recent weeks, following CIA director nominee John Brennan's confirmation hearing.

Is Obama's Drone Policy Really Morally Superior to Torture?

Sara Sorcher | February 14, 2013

Bush was condemned for waterboarding. But this administration kills from above.

Obama Vows Openness on Drones – But Will He Follow Through?

Matt Vasilogambros | February 13, 2013

In his State of the Union address, President Obama promised to go further to make the administration’s targeted-killing program more transparent. But some experts have their doubts.

Brennan’s Love-Hate Relationship With Drones

February 8, 2013

CongressWhite HouseNational SecurityPoliticsEnergyEconomy & BudgetHealth Care TOP FIVE JOHN BRENNAN’S LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH DRONES. With President Obama’s CIA nominee, John Brennan, in the spotlight this week, Washington is engaged in a big debate over the ethics of covert drone wa...

New Poll Shows Hillary Clinton, Marco Rubio More Popular Than Obama

Michael Catalini | February 8, 2013

Hillary Rodham Clinton is the most popular American politician, while John Boehner is the least, according to a new Quinnipiac poll.

Scenes From John Brennan's Confirmation Hearing

Chet Susslin | February 7, 2013

John Brennan Shows Hagel How It's Done

Jill Lawrence | February 7, 2013

John Brennan radiated confidence and authority in his confirmation hearing to become CIA director. Just call him the un-Hagel.

Drone Doublespeak: John Brennan Offers Few Details on 'Targeted Killings'

Ron Fournier | February 7, 2013

Other than doublespeak and vague assurances to share more information with the Senate Intelligence Committee, Brennan shed little light on the Obama administration’s drone policies.

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.

Obama Releases Legal Opinion on Drones

February 7, 2013

CongressWhite HouseNational SecurityPoliticsEnergyEconomy & BudgetHealth Care TOP FIVE OBAMA RELEASES LEGAL OPINIONS ON DRONES. President Obama ordered the Justice Department to provide congressional intelligence committees with access to classified information on the legal rationale for dro...

What's At Stake in John Brennan's Hearing to Lead the CIA

Matt Vasilogambros | February 6, 2013

Questions about the administration's drone use and harsh interrogation practices in the Bush era could make for a tense hearing.

How the U.S. Determines When to Kill One of Its Own Citizens

Matt Vasilogambros | February 5, 2013

The Department of Justice this week leaked its legal justification for drone strikes against Americans

How Republicans Learned to Love the Mainstream Media

Beth Reinhard | February 5, 2013

If you’re going to declare war on the tea party, The New York Times is a good place to start.

A Contentious Week in Congress

February 4, 2013

CongressWhite HouseNational SecurityPoliticsEnergyEconomy & BudgetHealth Care TOP FIVE A HOT WEEK ON THE HILL. With the next fiscal showdowns looming, Democrats in the House and Senate are set to brainstorm on strategy at out-of-town retreats this week. But that’s not all. The Senate Intel...

Targeted Killings: Obama’s Endless War

James Kitfield | January 31, 2013

Even as it pulls forces out of Afghanistan, the Obama administration wants to continue high-tech targeted killings in the war against terrorists.

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.

Are Drone Strikes Working? Congress Should Ask John Brennan

Danya Greenfield - The Atlantic | January 16, 2013

The confirmation hearings for CIA director are an important opportunity to evaluate U.S. policy in Yemen.

Zero Dark Thirty Is a Gut Punch to Our Concepts of Justice and Revenge

James Oliphant | January 10, 2013

A film that makes all of us complicit in revenge.

Always a Bridesmaid: The People Obama Passes Over for Top Jobs

Rebecca Kaplan | January 9, 2013

They’ve risen to the top echelons of government bureaucracy and burned the midnight oil for President Obama, and as a result, have had their names floated for top administration positions. But by virtue of bad luck or timing, they have never received the ultimate honor. For some top advisors and politicians, the last four years have left them always playing the bridesmaid, never the bride.

What Are Targeted Killings? Their Present and Future, Explained

Jonathan Masters and Council on Foreign Relations | January 9, 2013

The present and future of targeted killings and the use of drones in U.S. policy.

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.

Why John Brennan's Path to the CIA Is Easier Than 4 Years Ago

Matt Vasilogambros | January 7, 2013

For the second time, President Obama is considering John Brennan to head the CIA. But this time, the end result will likely be different.

Who Is John Brennan, Obama's Choice to Succeed David Petraeus at the CIA?

Brian Resnick | January 7, 2013

Here’s what to know about about the lastest figure to participate in the national-security shuffle.

Report: Obama to Tap John Brennan as CIA Director

Matt Vasilogambros | January 7, 2013

President Obama will nominate John Brennan, his top counterterrorism adviser, as the next director of the CIA, the Associated Press reports.

5 Key National-Security Issues for 2013

Sara Sorcher | December 27, 2012

It has been a turbulent year, with violence continuing in Syria, heated debates over the defense-budget topline, and the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya. National Journal looks at five key national-security issues that the U.S. will wrangle next year.

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