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
Time to Treat the VA's Problems as DOD's Problems
The VA's letdowns are now the Defense Department's problem, too. It’s time VA readiness were on par with DOD readiness. By Alexander Nicholson
Ideas
Wanted: A Post-War Watchdog for Nation-Building
The U.S. may be ending big wars, but military 'stability operations' and expensive nation-building projects will continue. The U.S. inspector general in Iraq argues the Pentagon needs someone to oversee contingency spending. By Stuart Bowen
Ideas
Ash Carter Got it Right in Aspen, Top DOD Nuclear Weapons Official Responds
Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter was accurate about nuclear weapons costs, but arguing misses the point. The U.S. needs them and can afford them. By Madelyn Creedon
Threats
Iraq’s Descent Into Madness, With No Americans in Sight
Prison breaks, car bombs and cozying up to Iran? This is not what was supposed to happen. By Joshua Foust
Business
Obama's Whistleblower Witchunt Won't Work at DOD
The U.S. has tried something like President Obama’s 'Insider Threat Program' before. It didn’t work then and it won’t work now. By Gabe Rottman
Science & Tech