Policy
Drones Are Controversial But Legal
Just because drones are more technologically advanced than other weapons doesn't mean they violate international law. By James Jay Carafano
Defense Systems
DOD's push for secure mobile comms leverages commercial tools
Commercial encryption, biometrics help DOD prevent eavesdropping.
Defense Systems
Army looks to integrate micro drones
Barclay stresses combined operations as a way to stretch procurement dollars.
Defense Systems
Hagel says joint exercise expansion key to Asia Pacific pivot
U.S. shift is progressing despite sequestration.
Defense Systems
Marine Corps deploys upgraded biometric scanner
The Biometric Enrollment Screening Device matches fingerprints, iris images and facial photos.
Ideas
Whatever Comes Next, Syria Is Forcing a New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East
President Obama is deciding how to respond in Syria knowing that most Americans are wary of another mess in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron and Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Pentagon ‘Stands Ready’ for Military Action in Syria as U.S. Warships Move to Region
President Obama huddles with his national security team to decide whether to take military action in Syria amid reports of more chemical attacks. By Kevin Baron
Business
DoD Will Lay Off 6,000 Civilians if Sequestration Continues
Major cuts to civilian defense employees are imminent If Congress can't come up with a plan to reduce the debt and sequestration continues next fiscal year. By Eric Katz
Business
Did Snowden and Manning Really Know What They Were Leaking?
Manning and Snowden are seen by many as heroes for leaking classified information. But the real problem is with the indiscriminate nature of their leaks. By Mark Bowden
Policy
Obama: U.S. Influence in Syria is ‘Overstated’
In an exclusive interview with CNN, President Obama worries about getting involved in Syria, questions the future of U.S.-Egypt relations and suggests the NSA might need a public advocate. By Stephanie Gaskell
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
Defense Systems
Navy logistics tool emulates Expedia
Web-based tool pinpoints available shipping capacity.
Defense Systems
DARPA field tests tactical cloud software
Edge network software would turn mobile devices into battlefield servers.
Ideas
Hagel Begins Asian Pivot as the Middle East Burns
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will spend the week setting up what the U.S. hopes to achieve over the next century: driving security in Asia while leading from behind in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron
Ideas
How Badly Did Manning Hurt the United States?
Manning said he was sorry for leaking troves of classified information from Iraq and Afghanistan. But just how much damage did he do? By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
The Cost of Mental Health Care in the Military: $4.5 Billion Since 2007
Mental health care costs are on the rise in the military. The Pentagon spent nearly $1 billion on mental health treatment last year – roughly double the amount it spent in 2007. By Bob Brewin
Policy
What the NSA's Compliance Data Tells Us
One piece of data, left unredacted in its report to Congress, appears to give more information on the surveillence program than the NSA has ever released publicly. By Philip Bump
Business
Stop Shrouding the U.S. Drone Program in Secrecy
What if Obama was forced by Congress to share, after every lethal drone strike, a detailed summary of the evidence against the people killed? By Conor Friedersdorf
Policy
How Egypt Helps Assad
The U.S. is reluctant to get involved in Egypt - and Syrian President Bashir Assad knows it. By Michael Hirsh
Business