Iraq

A former ambassador to Iraq discusses the ideal plan for U.S. action on the Iraq crisis -- and how to proceed if that plan proves unachievable due to rapidly deteriorating conditions on the ground.

A reformed Iraqi constitution focused on pragmatic politics rather than political theory will provide a surer basis for stability.

ISIS poses an existentially different threat than previous Sunni jihadist groups, with a focus on territorial possession and expansion.

The crisis now unfolding in Iraq poses a major and urgent challenge to the interests of the United States, Japan, and their allies. It threatens to further destabilize an already chaotic Middle East. It has caused oil prices to rise on concerns over not only Iraq's current production, but worries

A discussion of whether and how the United States or other outside actors might intervene to check the jihadist group's advance.

Will the declaration of a new caliphate unite the world’s jihadists or tear them apart?

Aaron Y. Zelin examines the history and evolution of relations between ISIS and al-Qaeda, detailing factors that could help determine their respective agendas in the global Jihadi arena.

Hezbollah's past operations in Iraq show that a limited number of experienced "consultants," working with Iran's Qods Force, could significantly increase the lethality of the local Shiite militias currently gearing up to counter the ISIS offensive.

Significantly undermining ISIS's financial base would require rolling back the group's access to local Syrian and Iraqi income sources.