Threats

Iran's New Nuclear-Fuel Plan Spurs Uncertainty in the West

Iranian nuclear talks seemed promising, but leaked plans to make fuel raise red flags. By Diane Barnes

Science & Tech

First Cyber Warrior Scholarships Awarded to Veterans

Six veterans are the first recipients of a scholarship program trying to close the cyber skills gap. By Brittany Ballenstedt

Policy

House Members to Back Anti-NSA Bill

Key lawmakers are toeing the line for Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner's new anti-secrecy bill. By Dustin Volz

Business

Hagel Could Remove One of the NSA Chief’s Key Duties: Running Cyber Command

The National Security Agency director's dual role exacerbates tension between the intelligence and military communities, former officials say. By Aliya Sternstein

Defense Systems

Army net initiative gains momentum despite shutdown

The latest version of the services Network Integration Evaluation was slowed by the government shutdown but is expected to wrap up on schedule.

Ideas

In the Tank: It’s Time to Divorce the NSA from Cyber Command

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

Policy

Kerry Says World Leaders Mocked Him Over Shutdown

Foreign leaders ribbed Secretary of State John Kerry over the shutdown, asking him if he needed money to pay for his meals. By Beth Reinhard

Science & Tech

Want to Win $2 Million? Build DARPA a Better Cyber Defense

DARPA is offering a $2 million prize to anyone who can build an automated, instantaneous cyber defense for the Pentagon’s networks. By Kedar Pavgi

Threats

How Human Rights Groups Misinterpret Drone Strikes

Two recent drone strike reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch mean well, but important factual errors cloud their judgment. Civilian casualties alone are not war crimes. By Joshua Foust

Business

Each U.S. Troop In Afghanistan Now Costs $2.1 Million

The average U.S. troop cost will nearly double in the final year of the war. By Kevin Baron

Defense Systems

3 ways to secure networks against current, future threats

Securing IT networks should be ongoing, with consideration for potential long-term effects and threats.

Defense Systems

Space laser sets data download record

A laser system aboard NASA’s LADEE moon probe demonstrates fastest two-way communications.

Ideas

A Missed Chance for NATO’s Cybersecurity Future

On the back of NATO’s defense ministerial, member-states still need to address the alliance’s major cybersecurity shortfalls – and there are plenty. By Daniel Pitcairn

Business

Meet the V-22 Osprey’s Little Brother, Bell’s Next Gen Tilt-Rotor

The V-22 Osprey is still proving itself in Afghanistan, but Bell Helicopter’s Keith Flail, director of future vertical lift, is readying a lighter, faster tilt rotor. By Kevin Baron

Threats

30 Years Later: The Marines Barracks Bombing and the Birth of Hezbollah

Three spectacular attacks targeting U.S. interests in Lebanon, including the 1983 bombing of the Marines barracks in Beirut, introduced Hezbollah to the world. By Matthew Levitt

Policy

Now Germany Confronts Obama Over NSA Spying

Germany is the latest ally to confront President Obama over reports of NSA spying. By Matt Berman, Matt Vasilogambros and Brian Resnick

Policy

Pakistan Signed a Secret 'Protocol' Allowing Drones

Officials say Pakistan has a secret agreement with the U.S. that approves many of the drone strikes. By Michael Hirsh

Business

How the Army Plans for the Future

Rickey Smith has a cool job: Help guess what the future holds and what the Army needs to meet whatever comes its way. By Kevin Baron

Business

Do Not Call a Navy Captain Fat

The Washington Post apologizes for characterizing an officer as “thickset.” By Tom Shoop

Policy

Are U.S.-Turkey Relations Fraying?

Between Turkey's decision to buy a Chinese missile defense system, and divergence on policy towards Syria, ties between Ankara and Washington are quickly chilling. By Bernard Gwertzman