September 10, 2007

This issue examined the threat posed by Al Qaeda in Iraq through Frederick W. Kagan's analysis of the terrorist organization's structure and strategy for defeating it. The cover also featured political commentary on the 2008 Republican primary race, comparing frontrunners Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani in a piece by Matthew Continetti and Stephen F. Hayes. The issue came at a critical moment in the Iraq War debate, with the Surge strategy recently underway and questions about both military tactics and the political direction of the conservative movement.