Science & Tech

Blackberry Bets Big on the Defense Department

With sluggish consumer sales, Blackberry is setting its sights on large organizations like the Defense Department. By Aliya Sternstein

Ideas

The Real Reason al-Shabab Attacked a Mall in Kenya

The violence was intended as a punishment for Kenya’s two-year military foray into Somalia, but plays into al Qaeda’s plans for a regional jihad. By Bronwyn Bruton

Business

Did the Taliban Get the U.S. To Revoke an Afghan Interpreter’s Visa?

After years of working as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Janis Shenwary was set to bring his family to the United States. Now his visa is on hold. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

Obama’s 5 Rules for the Middle East

It may not be a strategy but at the United Nations on Tuesday, President Obama outlined his five 'core interests' for the United States in the Middle East and North Africa. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Why the United Nations Is Suddenly Relevant

President Obama is discovering that the U.N. Security Council remains the main repository for international legitimacy. By Michael Hirsh

Business

Wanted: A New Privacy Officer at the NSA

Candidates for the new NSA position must be highly regarded in the privacy and civil liberties community and would be paid $173,000 a year. By Leo Mirani

Defense Systems

GPS III prototype, ground station communicate in ground test

Lockheed Martin satellite connects with Raytheon ground station in integration test.

Defense Systems

McCain blasts F-35 acquisition plan

Criticism follows recent $99 million contract modification.

Business

Pentagon Prepares for Government Shutdown

Officials at the Pentagon are warning employees to prepare for a government shutdown on Sept. 30. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Who Is al-Shabab?

Here's what you need to know about al-Shabab, the terror group behind the deadly attack at a mall in Kenya. By Jonathan Masters

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