Threats

Al-Shabab Attacks a Symbol of Kenya's Economic Progress

Terrorists see the Westgate mall in Nairobi as a beacon of Kenya's rapidly burgeoning wealth. By Neelam Verjee

Business

The Questionable Security System That Gave Felons Access to Navy Installations

For years, many contractors have simply paid a fee and typed some ID data into an ATM-like machine to gain access to military bases. After the Navy Yard shooting, that could change. By Rebecca LaFlure and R. Jeffrey Smith

Threats

Africa's New Terrorist Training Ground

Last year, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb conquered a large swath of Mali, despite a French military intervention. Now, Africa may be the next front in the fight against terror threats. By Yochi Dreazen

Policy

Will Obama and Rouhani Meet Face-to-Face at the United Nations?

This week’s United Nations meeting could open the door to an historic meeting between President Obama and the new Iranian leader. By Stephanie Gaskell

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

Defense Systems

Getting a handle on big data

DOD seeks cost savings through big data apps while service providers look to demystify the concept.

Defense Systems

DARPA awards $10M modification for robot with legs

Legged Squad Support System (a program with legs) will serve alongside squads in war zones.

Defense Systems

Shelton: Greater operational capacity needed in space, cyber

Space Command chief warns that internal challenges weaken Air Force defense capabilities.

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

Facebook's Advice to the NSA

The broader problem, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says, is the NSA's continued obfuscation of its programs, even after their revelation into the public mind and the public conversation. By Megan Garber

Threats

Here's the Main Reason Iran's President Is Warming Up to the West

Rouhani faces a plunging economy because of western sanctions that have cut into oil exports and other industries. Talks with the West is the only way to make it stop. By Tim Fernholz

Defense Systems

DISA storage contract stresses interoperability

IT agency says it is moving away from centralized nets to ‘edge-centered’ approach.

Defense Systems

Check out begins on third AEHF military satellite

Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite communications will increase data rates five-fold.

Business

Close the NSA's Reagan-Era Collection Loophole

There are many ways NSA could win back public trust, protect privacy, and still do its job. One way: cancel an executive order signed by Ronald Reagan. By Marc Ambinder

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

Policy

Senators Vow To Crack Down on Security Clearances

Capitol Hill wants the system that grants contractors elite access to be much more accountable. By Matt Berman

Ideas

How Photographic Technology Shapes Our Understanding of War

From Polaroids to Instagram, the methods we used to document conflict have drastically changed. So has our understanding of what war really is. By Peter Osnos

Business

Amos' Marines Could Go Even Smaller, to 120,000

All due respect, but Commandant Amos isn’t going deep enough. The Marine Corps can drop to 120,000 using MEUs. Here’s how. By Aaron Haubert

Threats

Obama's Final Pivot Away From the Middle East

The administration's reluctance to intervene in Syria may be the beginning of a permanent shift away from the region. By David Rohde

Policy

A September to Surrender: Syria and Summers Spell Second-Term Slump

Is Obama's power eroding quicker than before, or is this just typical of this stage in the presidency? By Major Garrett