All DC Decoder
- Drudge hates new shield bill, but is defining 'journalist' really 'fascist'?
A media shield law approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee defines a “real reporter” deserving of extra protection. Bloggers, "citizen journalists," and others cry "foul!"
- Is Syria backtracking on chemical weapons pledge?
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with Russian state TV that he would not turn over chemical weapons unless the US stops threatening to attack him and agrees to cease arms shipments to Syrian rebels.
- Does a US strike on Syria have a 'sell by' date?
US officials want a quick signal from the Russians that Syria is really willing to give up its chemical weapons. But there's a chance everyone's just kicking the can down the road.
- Syria's chemical weapons: why it could take decades to destroy them
If Russia's plan to destroy Syria's chemical weapons goes through, it would be the beginning of a complicated and expensive process.
- Syria speech: What we learned about Obama
The suffering of children – mentioned seven times in the speech – sparks Obama's moral outrage like nothing else. And his presidential 'bubble' isn't as impervious as some might think.
- Syria: Why Obama needs to give two speeches in one
Obama's address on Syria was meant to build support for votes in Congress authorizing force. But with diplomacy now front and center, Obama has to explain his reasons for embracing both.
- Will Syria crisis harm Hillary Clinton's chances in 2016?
Hillary Clinton spoke out Monday for a strong international response in Syria. Her role as a loyal foot soldier for former boss Obama is hardly surprising. But it raises questions about her presidential prospects.
- Russia's new Syria plan could turn 'quagmire into an easy win'
Russia has seized on an offhand comment by US Secretary of State John Kerry and is proposing a plan to destroy Syria's chemical weapons. Syria is onboard, but the US is skeptical.
- Plan B on Syria: Four options for Obama if Congress won't act
If President Obama fails to get Congress to go along with airstrikes against Syria over alleged use of chemical weapons, he can still act – though he would pay a price.
- Obama’s full-court press on Syria: Confidence or desperation?
Pushing his case for a US military response to chemical weapons in Syria, President Obama will do six TV interviews Monday. Other senior administration officials are flooding the airwaves as well.
- How Europe just made Obama's Syria strike more complicated
The European Union voted to back 'strong' action against Syria. But it made its support contingent on a UN report, adding a fresh variable to Obama's already difficult sales job.
- Protesters outside the White House, Obama team makes case for attacking Syria
President Obama has just a few days to make his case on Syria before highly skeptical lawmakers vote on authorizing a US military attack. The response of possible allies, congressional head counts, and opinion polls illustrate his enormous challenge.
- Syria vote: What happens if Obama loses?
Current polls show the House opposing a strike on Syria. Obama is not saying whether he would order an attack anyway, but a loss could have long-lasting political effects at home and abroad.
- Russian warships: Why are they sailing toward Syria?
Russian warships – at least three of them – are on their way to the eastern Mediterranean waters off Syria. A Russian official says they are a means for Russian civilians to escape Syria in the event of US airstrikes. But the ships can do oh so much more.
- Why Senate resolution on Syria doesn't rule out ground troops
The Syria resolution passed by a Senate committee this week rules out ground troops for 'combat operations.' But in the end, a Syria strike could require ground troops for other reasons.
- Donald Rumsfeld lambastes Obama on Syria: 'Take responsibility'
Donald Rumsfeld, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary, says President Obama is not showing leadership on Syria. But he comes to the debate with his own Iraq War baggage.
- 2016 contenders: Why Syria is tough for GOP's Marco Rubio
Sen. Marco Rubio believes the US must intervene in Syria. But backing Obama on military strikes would have been politically costly. So he found a way to vote no.
- Syria strike: Is loss of strategic surprise costing the US?
If and when the US carries out a missile strike, Syria's military will have had ample time to prepare, and Russia will be better positioned to provide Assad real-time intelligence, experts say.
- Syria airstrike: Can Obama persuade Congress to share responsibility?
Congress set a red line when it ratified a treaty that banned use of chemical weapons, said President Obama, who argued that any decision to strike Syria should be a shared responsibility.
- Why Boehner had 'no choice' but to support Obama on Syria
In a hyperpartisan Washington, House Speaker John Boehner backing President Obama on anything seems extraordinary. But in the case of Syria, not backing him could be worse.