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
Mabus: Budget Battle Threatens Navy's Progress
Even in hard economic times, the Navy has managed to grow and stay competitive. Another round of sequestration could undo that. By Charles S. Clark
Defense Systems
First unmanned F-16 flight tested
QF-16 would replace QF-4 as next Air Force aerial target aircraft.
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
Threats
Why Did Rouhani Say ‘No’ to Obama?
For decades, Iran has conducted secret negotiations with the United States, only to publically back off before a major diplomatic breakthrough. Rouhani's behavior at the United Nations was more of the same. By Michael Ledeen
Business
A Government Shutdown Would Be Worse for DoD Than It Was in 1995
During the 1995 government shutdown, the Defense Department was largely spared thanks to approved appropriations bills. That's not the case this time. By Sophie Novack and Clara Ritger
Business
The U.S. Should Cut Its Nuclear Arsenal Before Sequester Does
The Pentagon needs to 'operate realistically' at the spending levels mandated by law and begin cutting back on its nuclear arsenal, a new report says. By Rachel Oswald
Science & Tech
Blackberry Bets Big on the Defense Department
With sluggish consumer sales, Blackberry is setting its sights on large organizations like the Defense Department. By Aliya Sternstein
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
Business
Did the Taliban Get the U.S. To Revoke an Afghan Interpreter’s Visa?
After years of working as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Janis Shenwary was set to bring his family to the United States. Now his visa is on hold. By Stephanie Gaskell
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
Policy
Why the United Nations Is Suddenly Relevant
President Obama is discovering that the U.N. Security Council remains the main repository for international legitimacy. By Michael Hirsh
Business
Wanted: A New Privacy Officer at the NSA
Candidates for the new NSA position must be highly regarded in the privacy and civil liberties community and would be paid $173,000 a year. By Leo Mirani
Defense Systems
GPS III prototype, ground station communicate in ground test
Lockheed Martin satellite connects with Raytheon ground station in integration test.
Defense Systems
McCain blasts F-35 acquisition plan
Criticism follows recent $99 million contract modification.
Business
Pentagon Prepares for Government Shutdown
Officials at the Pentagon are warning employees to prepare for a government shutdown on Sept. 30. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats