Threats
Syrian Rebels Are Rejecting U.S. Strategy
The new rebel alliance formed under al-Nusra is a no-confidence vote in U.S. leadership. By James Kitfield
Policy
Bill Clinton: House Republicans 'Don't Want to Negotiate' Over Funding the Government
The former president says that the House Republican position is 'almost spiteful,' and that the shutdown debates of the mid-1990s were 'extremely minor' in comparison. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Government Shutdown Looks Likely As Congress Hits Final Hours
Members of Congress are digging in for an extended budget battle, with no end in sight. By Michael Catalini and Billy House
Defense Systems
Dozen companies share $4.1 billion Army contract
A mix of 10 large and two small businesses are sharing a $4.1 billion contract award to supply the Army with communications and transmission services to help the service improve its battlefield communications.
Threats
Lawmakers Urge the U.N. to Punish Cuba For North Korea Arms Deal
Members of Congress want to the United Nations to send a strong message to Cuba for a secret arms deal with North Korea. By Rachel Oswald
Business
Here’s How a Shutdown Would Affect the Pentagon
As the standoff in Congress continues, officials release more details about the impact on Defense Department operations. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
The Military Has More Than 900 Suicide Prevention Programs
The Pentagon has worked hard to prevent military suicides -- maybe too hard. Now officials are looking at ways to streamline its suicide prevention programs. By Bob Brewin
Business
Pentagon Prepares for More Furloughs as Government Shutdown Looms
Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is warning DoD employees again to get ready for furloughs if the government shuts down on Oct. 1. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Afghanistan Wants Post-2014 Troops to Battle the Taliban, not al Qaeda
The Afghan Foreign Minister says the core of al Qaeda has been defeated in Afghanistan, but the country still needs U.S. troops to help battle the Taliban. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
How a 2009 Law Is Protecting Veterans from the Government Shutdown
Veterans advocates fought hard to pass a 2009 law that helps protect their benefits from congressional gridlock. Now it’s paying off. By Tom Tarantino
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