All Foreign Policy
Has Pentagon chief reversed his position on striking Syria?Gen. Martin Dempsey, the top Pentagon officer, repeatedly warned against the costs and potential entanglements of military involvement in Syria. Now he's testifying on behalf of the White House.
G20: why the Federal Reserve will be a hot topic in RussiaThe prospect that the US Federal Reserve is about to taper down trillions in bond purchases is roiling emerging markets and could generate sparks at this week's G20 meeting in St. Petersburg.
How much is the US snooping on Europeans?In a hastily planned visit to Sweden, Obama tried to allay anger over the NSA's international surveillance programs.
Senators warn Kerry: Syria can't become another IraqA Senate hearing about potential military strikes against Syria was dominated by discussion about Iraq. Secretary of State John Kerry promised there would be no ground troops.
Syria resolution: Why Obama proposal is failing the Goldilocks testThe draft resolution authorizing the use of force against Syria is being perceived as either too hard or too soft by doves and hawks in Congress. Obama says he expects lawmakers to get it right.
US presents its case against Syria, leaving little doubt of military actionIn a detailed and impassioned speech, Secretary of State John Kerry outlined the evidence against the regime in Syria, arguing that war fatigue 鈥榙oes not absolve us of our responsibility鈥� to respond.
US releases intelligence on Syria chemical attack: 5 takeawaysUS report released Friday asserts an Aug. 21 attack in Syria involved chemical weapons 鈥� and concludes confidence is 'high' that the Assad regime, not Syrian rebels, is responsible. It also offers answers on what, when, where, and why.
Syria crisis: Dovish Democrats urge Obama to consult CongressIn a letter, 54 Democratic lawmakers urged Obama Thursday to聽'seek an affirmative decision of Congress prior to committing any US military engagement to this complex crisis.'
Obama's path to Syria strike suddenly littered with speed bumpsAt home and abroad, obstacles to a US strike against Syria have suddenly emerged. Obama is providing members of Congress with evidence of Syrian chemical weapons attacks.
Strike on Syria: Could it undermine efforts to end the civil war?The Obama administration is indicating it hopes to keep diplomacy alive even in the aftermath of anticipated airstrikes against the military and other government targets in Syria.
Why Obama, when moving to punish Syria, is unlikely to go it aloneUS action against Syria is all but certain, to send the message that use of chemical weapons won't be tolerated. The next questions are, how much international backing will Obama seek, and who will stand with him?
Obama pressured to intervene in Syria. Most Americans say 'no,' says pollA senior administration official said Sunday there is 'very little doubt' that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons against civilians. President Obama is under pressure to respond militarily, but a new poll finds most Americans are opposed.
'Core' US interests now at stake in Syria, Obama says. Will he take action?Obama's references to the 'core national interests' that would be threatened by the use or spread of chemical weapons in the Middle East could be a sign that a decision on US action in Syria is closer.
Syria crisis: Could chemical weapons claims prompt Libya-style intervention?The US has joined other countries in demanding that a UN team investigate Wednesday's suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria. But experts are quick to list reasons why a major US intervention is unlikely.
Crisis in Egypt: US seeks to preserve influence. Is there any left?The administration's cautious approach to Egypt, far from preserving its influence, may have signaled to the military rulers that the US needs Egypt more than the reverse, analysts say.
Why Iraqi request for help fighting Al Qaeda poses dilemma for USA surge of Al Qaeda-inspired violence has Iraq seeking support 鈥� and big weapons 鈥� from the US. Counterterrorism is a US priority, but some in Congress balk at certain arms sales. One reason: bloodshed in Egypt.
US security interests kept Obama from cutting aid to Egypt. What are they?When Obama, in response to Egypt's brutal crackdown on protesters, refrained from cutting off US military aid, he cited US 'national interests.' Broadly, they boil down to one main idea: stability.
Obama cancels joint Egypt maneuvers, leaving military aid untouched for nowObama issued only veiled threats to halt the military aid to Egypt, demonstrating his reluctance to use what some experts say is Washington's last means to influence a key Mideast ally.
Egypt violence: US hardens its tone, but is criticized as too softSecretary of State John Kerry condemned the crackdown by Egypt's military but announced no sanctions, leaving critics to suggest US policy toward a key Mideast partner is ineffectual.
Middle East talks: To turn things around, Kerry trying an about-faceJohn Kerry appears to have studied the latest launch of Middle East talks in 2010 and resolved to do the opposite with the round beginning Wednesday, including, for example, the stance on Israeli settlements.
