Struggling to Gauge ISIS Threat, Even as U.S. Prepares to Act  —  WASHINGTON — The violent ambitions of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria have been condemned across the world: in Europe and the Middle East, by Sunni nations and Shiite ones, and by sworn enemies like Israel and Iran.

The ISIS Speech: Obama and the Dogs of War  —  Can he control them once they are unleashed?  —  Here is President Barack Obama's challenge: how to unleash the dogs of war without having them run wild.  —  This dilemma applies to both the political and policy considerations Obama faces …

War is hell.  So go big or go home, Mr. President.  Big means bold, confident, wise assurance from a trustworthy Commander-in-Chief that it shall all be worth it.  Charge in, strike hard, get out.  Win.  —  Obama famously claims to despise the “theater” and “optics” of the presidency.

The Grand Strategy Obama Needs  —  Washington — The twin crises in Ukraine and the Middle East are perhaps the most serious President Obama has faced.  He has been spurred into action, but still hopes to balance his show of leadership with his own inclination to protect America from foreign engagements.

TED CRUZ: HATRED, BIGOTRY, OPPOSITION TO ISRAEL LED TO ME LEAVING EVENT  —  Reports surfaced Wednesday night that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was “booed off the stage” at an event hosted by a purportedly Christian organization.  —  Cruz, the keynote speaker at the new “In Defense Of Christians” …

Pistorius verdict live: judge says athlete not guilty of murder  —  Judge Thokozile Masipa says Pistorius ‘clearly negligent’ over death of Reeva Steenkamp and will deliver ruling on culpable homicide on Friday  —  Sort by:  —  2.35pm BST  —  End-of-day summary