Policy
U.S. Has Already Defaulted – On Its Promise to the Troops
Congress and the White House continue to argue over the debt ceiling, but they’ve already defaulted on their obligations to the military. By Alexander Nicholson
Policy
Why Libya Is So Hard to Govern
Inter-group squabbling reigns as the country stalls on drafting its new constitution. By Jason Pack and Will Raynolds
Policy
Obama Expects Troop Death Benefits Fix ‘Today’
The public outrage over the shutdown halting ‘death gratuity’ payments to the families of fallen soldiers has reached the White House -- President Obama says he expects a fix today. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Shutdown Could Crimp Pentagon Training and Confuse Contractors
Lack of funding will disrupt operations and impact the national security supply chain, a new report says. By Charles S. Clark
Threats
Why America Has to Work With Syria's Islamist Rebels
Washington's policymakers need to put the affiliation of Syria's rebel groups in the context of local politics. By Shadi Hamid
Policy
House Defense Champion Rep. Bill Young to Retire
The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee chairman and longtime defense hawk will step town after more than 40 years in Congress. By Kevin Baron
Defense Systems
Army regional network plan advances
Congressional panels give Army the reprogramming flexibility to launch regional networks.
Defense Systems
GEOINT symposium postponed until next spring
Geospatial intelligence event falls victim to partial government shutdown.
Business
House OKs Bill To Pay Federal Workers On Time During Shutdown
The House unanimously approves legislation to pay federal employees who are working during the shutdown on time, but the White House says it will veto it. By Eric Katz
Science & Tech
Electrical Explosions Cause Construction Delays at NSA's $1.2 Billion Spy Compound
Persistent electrical surges apparently sparked explosions and a year-long delay that NSA officials did not disclose. By Aliya Sternstein
Business
House Scrambles to Reinstate Troop Death Benefits During Shutdown
The House Appropriations Committee is drafting a bill that will let Congress pay death benefits to families of troops killed in action during the shutdown. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
5 Takeaways from the U.S. Special Ops Raids in Somalia and Libya
Two surprise operations illuminate America’s shadow war against terrorists and reveal important elements of Washington’s evolving counterterrorism strategy. By James Kitfield
Business
Senate Still Hasn't Voted on Bill That Gives Back Pay to Furloughed Workers
Several Republicans want to be able to attach amendments to a bill that would pay furloughed workers retroactively after the shutdown ends. By Kellie Lunney
Business
Hagel Names Special Envoy to Close Guantanamo
The Defense Department appointed Paul Lewis, former HASC general counsel, to help close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. By Stephanie Gaskell
Science & Tech
Why America Wants Drones That Can Kill Without Humans
The U.S. wants smarter, more secure drones. But are lethal autonomous robots the answer? By Joshua Foust
Defense Systems
JIE is linchpin of next-generation classified cloud
DISA and the services are working to synchronize efforts toward developing, fielding a Joint Information Environment that promotes interoperability.
Defense Systems
Air Force factoring spectrum reallocation into integration plans
The service’s integration chief says he is working to ensure uninterrupted joint operations.
Defense Systems
DOD moves to shore up obsolete parts pipeline
Defense Logistics Agency managing possible transition of its spare parts database.
Threats
Obama Is Changing the Way He Fights the War on Terror
The U.S. moved to capture militants in Libya and Somalia, rather than killing them. It may be better than drones, but it brings political risks. By Sara Sorcher
Business