Frank G. Klotz says the possibility of a total stalemate on the U.S. defense budget looms very large, but with American forces still fighting in Afghanistan, and Iran and North Korea remaining potential flashpoints, the consequences could be grave.

Peter Orszag argues that U.S. business leaders who want better economic policy should work to get more moderates elected to Congress.

Frank Klotz argues that the closure of a military base is economically and emotionally difficult, but the U.S. military cannot afford to maintain facilities it no longer needs, especially in the midst of a budget crisis.

Peter Orszag outlines five basic principles for U.S. fiscal policy to follow: continue short-term economic support, enact automatic stabilizers, couple stimulus with delayed deficit reduction, raise additional revenue, and move forward on small-scale policy issues.

Peter Orszag discusses how increasing residential isolation of affluent voters contributes to the gridlock plaguing Washington.

Max Boot says Senate opposition to a U.S. ambassador to Syria is understandable but misguided.

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon says that in the wake of the U.S. credit rating downgrade, Wall Street may discover it no longer likes Washington gridlock.

Elliott Abrams poses ten questions that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should be asking Robert Ford before confirming him as ambassador to Syria.

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon says the debt ceiling debate has highlighted the difference in world views between Washington and Wall Street.

James M. Lindsay says a U.S. debt default will harm America's ability to wield and project its power in the world.

Peter Orszag says the problem of gridlock in Washington might be a consequence of where voters choose to live.

John B. Bellinger III says President Obama should seize the opportunity presented by Republican support for increased domestic oil and gas production to urge the Senate to approve the Law of the Sea Convention.

Michael A. Levi discusses the New START treaty.

John B. Bellinger III argues that the 112th Congress must update and clarify the legal authority for U.S. military and intelligence agencies to kill and detain terrorists who threaten the United States.

Kay King says, "The inability of the U.S. Congress to address tough problems, both domestic and international, has serious national security consequences."

Richard N. Haass says that while foreign policy did not materially affect the mid-term elections, the results will influence U.S. foreign policy in inconsistent and even surprising ways.

Dana H. Allin and Steven Simon argue that while the "tea party" agenda in the midterm election focused largely on domestic issues, Republican gains in Congress fueled by the movement will have profound foreign policy consequences.

Peter Orszag writes that if the new Congress is truly concerned about rising health care costs, they should work to deploy the health care act's cost-containment measures fully rather than try to repeal them.

Max Boot argues that lawmakers should look to history before rushing to cut defense spending.

David S. Abraham says the U.S. Congress contributed to the Gulf oil spill by undermining offshore safety and encouraging risky drilling.