Science & Tech
Simulation Complex: Into the Military's Love of Video Games
How the “military-entertainment complex” has taken over the troop experience. By Hamza Shaban
Ideas
In the Tank: A Shutdown Won’t Hurt the Pivot
This week’s best research and commentary on the latest in national security and foreign policy issues from top think tanks around the world. By Kedar Pavgi
Policy
Shutdown Creates Training ‘Gap’ for Afghanistan-Bound Troops
Commanders halt training for National Guard units deploying to Afghanistan next year, amid shutdown's pay freeze. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Science & Tech
Why America Wants Drones That Can Kill Without Humans
The U.S. wants smarter, more secure drones. But are lethal autonomous robots the answer? By Joshua Foust
Ideas
America’s Longest War
America’s longest war has become its forgotten war. If there was ever a time to pay attention to Afghanistan, it’s now. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
In the Tank: The Shutdown Amplifies Obama's Mideast Problems
This week’s best research and commentary on the latest in national security and foreign policy issues from top think tanks around the world. By Kedar Pavgi
Policy
We Negotiate With Terrorists, Why Not With Congress?
Perhaps the Obama administration should adopt the same policy it applies to real terrorists: Don't negotiate at all in public, but meanwhile search for every back channel you can. By Michael Hirsh
Policy
The Beginning of the End for Washington
The political system is broken. What does Washington have to do to get back to work? By Ron Fournier
Ideas
In the Tank: Kenya Can’t Fight Al-Shabab by Itself
This week’s best research and commentary on the latest in national security and foreign policy issues from top think tanks around the world. By Kedar Pavgi
Ideas
Are IEDs Ever an Ethical Weapon on the Battlefield?
The world’s focus has been on chemical weapons use in Syria – but what about the homemade bombs that kill thousands of civilians across the globe? By David Small
Business
The Army’s Misguided Crackdown on Tattoos
The Army’s new policies on tattoos and other physical appearance standards is part of a peacetime crackdown that usually lasts until the next war. By James Joyner
Science & Tech
Why the Military Needs Commercial Satellite Technology
The need for commerical satellite technology will only grow as data usage increases and more UAVs take to the air due to the asymmetrical threat environment. By Rick Lober
Ideas
When Will the Media Stop Fueling the Angry Vet Narrative?
After the Navy Yard shooting, many media outlets were quick to point out the shooter’s military service, fueling the dangerous narrative that veterans are more prone to violence. By Alex Horton
Ideas
The Real Reason al-Shabab Attacked a Mall in Kenya
The violence was intended as a punishment for Kenya’s two-year military foray into Somalia, but plays into al Qaeda’s plans for a regional jihad. By Bronwyn Bruton
Ideas
Obama’s 5 Rules for the Middle East
It may not be a strategy but at the United Nations on Tuesday, President Obama outlined his five 'core interests' for the United States in the Middle East and North Africa. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Who Is al-Shabab?
Here's what you need to know about al-Shabab, the terror group behind the deadly attack at a mall in Kenya. By Jonathan Masters
Science & Tech
Vetting Videos of War
Conflict videos from Syria are notoriously unreliable. Here's one company working to authenticate the real ones. By Steve Ercolani
Ideas
In the Tank: Why Putin Failed to Woo the American Public
This week’s best research and commentary on the latest in national security and foreign policy issues from top think tanks around the world. By Kedar Pavgi
Science & Tech
Clean Energy Gets an Unlikely Ally: Military Veterans
A rising chorus of voices from the national security community are united by what is fast becoming a consensus view: investments in clean energy strengthens our national security and gives our service members an edge on the battlefield. By Chris Rey
Ideas