Policy
USAID: Aid Groups Also Stuck Waiting for Afghan Troop Agreement
USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah says the global aid community that’s so tied to the U.S. military also is eyeing the loya jirga. By Kevin Baron
Threats
Just the Beginning: Afghanistan Troop Deal Prelude to Another Half Decade of War
This is not the end. After the security agreement, U.S. involvement in Afghanistan’s conflict is far from over. By Anthony H. Cordesman
Defense Systems
Workaround boosts Teleport satellite access in Pacific
Army/DOD team gives forces access to a satellite that was previously out of reach, as part of DOD’s Network-Centric Teleport system.
Defense Systems
Funding bill backs intell community’s IT consolidation
The House Intelligence Committee approves an authorization bill for 2014 that also would dedicate $75 million to battling insider threats.
Defense Systems
China tests stealth drone
Maiden flight of “Sharp Sword” drone reported by state media.
Threats
How to Spot the Next Edward Snowden
The FBI wants to develop a whole new science to help government agencies spot spies and whistleblowers among their ranks. By Aliya Sternstein
Ideas
Inside the Secret Interior of the Navy’s First Stealth Destroyer
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel climbed aboard the Navy’s first stealth destroyer, the Zumwalt, at Maine’s Bath Iron Works.
Threats
Hagel Warns Afghanistan: Sign Troop Pact Now or Post-War Plans Halt
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says if a troop deal isn’t signed by the end of the year, the Pentagon will have to put its post-2014 planning on hold. By Kevin Baron
Science & Tech
This Massive Robot Could Soon Join Marines on the Battlefield
The testing phase of DARPA's new Legged Squad Support System, an autonomous robot that can carry 400 lbs through rugged terrain, is expected to be completed by next summer. By Alexis C. Madrigal
Business
'Burnout' Plagues Air Force Nuclear Missile Crews
Stressful and isolated work conditions with little chance of advancement is causing 'burnout' among the Air Force's nuclear missile crews, a new study finds. By Global Security Newswire
Policy
Despite Ongoing Talks, Reid Plans Iran Sanction Vote Next Month
While negotiations continue in Geneva, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he will hold a vote on tightening Iran sanctions after the Thanksgiving recess. By Jordain Carney
Business
How John Kerry Could End Up Outdoing Hillary Clinton
Critics say he's pompous and reckless—but his relentlessness may end up making him the most consequential secretary of state in years. By David Rohde
Policy
Karzai: No U.S. Troop Deal Before April Elections
After reaching an agreement to keep U.S. troops past 2014, Afghan President Hamid Karzai now wants to wait until April’s presidential election to sign it. By Stephanie Gaskell
Science & Tech
Europe's Quest to Build an NSA-Proof Cloud
European companies want to exploit the mistrust of American tech giants in the post-Edward Snowden era to compete in this lucrative sector. By Michael Scaturro
Threats
What Keeps DIA Director Flynn Up at Night
There’s a lot to worry about when you’re the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Here’s what keeps Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn up at night. By Stephanie Gaskell
Defense Systems
Air Force wants to go lighter on crypto tools in the field
The service is looking for smaller, lighter but still rugged key loading devices, and wants to examine the feasibility of incorporating them into wearable technology.
Defense Systems
GPS III passes compatibility test
Lockheed Martin test bed demonstrates backward compatibility with existing GPS constellation.
Policy
U.S., Afghanistan Negotiators Reach a Deal on Post-2014 Security Agreement
The U.S. and Afghanistan have agreed on a deal to keep coalition troops past 2014. Now comes the hard part -- a group of Afghan elders must approve it. By Defense One Staff
Business
Pentagon Wants Contractors to Protect Industry Secrets From Hackers
Newly finalized regulations would force contractors to take measures to secure unclassified networks while also notifying authorities of any breaches. By Aliya Sternstein
Science & Tech