Security Articles

Lessons of the Syrian Reactor

The intelligence failures of Iraq seriously constrained policy makers in other areas.

Delusions of Indispensability

The notion that America is the world's "indispensable nation" is hardly questioned, even as it fosters strategic overreach.

Japan's Daunting Challenge

Shinzo Abe might turn Japan into an isolated, aging, indebted fortress.

Syria's Crisis of Transition

History shows that an internationally led negotiation is the best way out of the civil war, but the situation isn't yet ripe for action.

The Seoul Nuclear Summit

Obama has emerged as champion of securing vulnerable nuclear materials. Two years after his Washington summit on this arcane but important matter, leaders are descending on South Korea to track progress and fashion goals for the future.

Drug Mayhem Moves South

Mexico’s drug violence is spreading into Central American countries that lack the resources to cope with such dire challenges. The region is in danger of reverting back to turmoil.

Chinese Nationalism and Its Discontents

China must choose between kowtowing to domestic nationalism and submitting to a peaceful rise. Lately, nationalist belligerence has ruled the day. Washington is overreacting, encircling China. A latent rivalry ratchets up to dangerous levels.

The End of the American Era

Two lost wars. Eroding infrastructure. A crippled economy. The time when the United States could create and lead a political, economic and security order in virtually every part of the world is over. The cure? A new American strategy.

Something Is Rotten in the State of Iraq

Sunni vs. Shia. Kurd vs. Arab. Nationalist vs. Islamist. Iraq circa 2011 is looking an awful lot like Iraq circa 2004. The country is headed back to the anarchic depths from which it ever-so-briefly emerged.

The Zawahiri Era

Meet Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Egyptian doctor-turned-jihadist-mastermind—and the new head of al-Qaeda. He will out-terrorize his predecessor. Prepare for the new age of jihad.

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May 18, 2013