Science & Tech
Killing Machines: How Far Can Obama's Drone Wars Go?
Behind every drone is a system that plans, operates and executes operations. This is one glimpse into that world. By Mark Bowden.
Ideas
What the NSA’s Massive Org Chart (Probably) Looks Like
Amid public cries for greater transparency into the intelligence world, here’s a look at the National Security Agency’s organizational chart -- as far as we know it. By Marc Ambinder
Ideas
Forget the Second Carrier, It's Time to Rethink the Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf
It’s not the size of the fleet, it’s how you use it, and PC ships are smaller, more agile and better for Mideast allies. By Bilal Y. Saab and Joseph Singh
Ideas
The Filmmaker Behind the Edward Snowden Leaks
A new <em>New York Times</em> magazine profile describes how far Laura Poitras has gone to protect her privacy, while also reporting on the government's surveillance programs. By Philip Bump
Ideas
This is How Benjamin Franklin Made America a Superpower
Founding father's grand strategy was predicated on economic growth driven by population expansion and immigration. By Miles Kimball
Ideas
Obama's Embassy Closures Just 'Free Advertising' for Al Qaeda
Obama's disjointed response to terrorism has left the U.S. in a 'defensive crouch'. Closing embassies so far from Yemen, however, was little more than 'free advertising' for Al Qaeda. By Joshua Foust
Ideas
How to Save the Middle East from Nuclear War
No region is in greater need of banning nuclear weapons than the conflict-cursed Middle East. Here’s my plan to get it started. By Prince Turki Al Faisal
Ideas
In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings
The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi
Science & Tech
Counterfeits Can Kill U.S. Troops. So Why Isn't Congress and DoD Doing More to Stop it?
Customs officials can help greatly reduce counterfeit electronics that make their way to critical military systems, but toothless legislation is getting in their way. By Jim Burger and Kimberly Heifetz
Ideas
Gen. Amos on Reinventing the Marines, Owning Sequester and Why COIN Is More Relevant Than Ever
The Marine Commandant talks about the future of warfare and how budget cuts are here to stay. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Overcoming Snowden: New Urgency for Friday’s U.S.-Russia Meeting
It’s no surprise Obama cancelled his September summit with Putin. Now it’s time for Chuck Hagel and John Kerry to weigh in on nuclear weapons. By Joe Cirincione
Ideas
A Big New Idea for U.S.-Pakistan Relations
After a cooling off period, the Obama administration put Pakistan back on the agenda last week promising new talks. It would help if the administration came prepared with something new to discuss. By Daniel Markey
Ideas
How the U.S. Justified Dropping the Bomb on Hiroshima
Excerpts from <em>The Atlantic's</em> archives in 1946 show the debate behind this pivotal moment in history. By Caroline Kitchener
Business
Where Are All the Good Drone Pilots?
Drones are the future of the Air Force. But too many drone pilots are failing initial training or failing to earn promotions. Now it’s time to develop and support the pilots who fly them. By Col. Brad Hoagland
Threats
Interview with Ryan Crocker: Assad will Prevail 'Yard by Bloody Yard'
America’s premier diplomat would intervene in Syria if President Obama asked, even though it probably wouldn’t do much good. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Close to a Deal: U.S., Afghans Agree on Single Text
A bilateral security agreement is reachable by October, insiders say. But then what? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
Beach Reads: Defense One’s Top Picks for your iPad
Can’t get the sequester out of your swim trunks? Here are some big ideas for your little iPad while you soak up the sun. By Defense One Staff
Ideas
In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings
The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi
Ideas
DC's Political Paralysis 'Means More Casualties' for Untrained Soldiers
The best place to learn how Washington’s budget impasse is putting troops at risk is the Army’s National Training Center, which has cancelled rotations for the first time since 1981. By James Kitfield
Business