Policy
Trump Kicks Mattis Out Early, Names Shanahan Acting Defense Secretary
The abrupt decision comes amid a growing crescendo of criticism of the president’s snap decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.
Ideas
What we learned in 2018: What's ahead for Syria + why ISIS is not defeated yet
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
A Giant Repair Job Awaits the First Post-Trump SecDef
It will be a rebuilding project the likes of which has not been seen since the Vietnam War.
Policy
Hard-Nosed Pentagon Negotiator Removed From Job; Racked Up Huge Travel Costs
Shay Assad also backed a controversial plan to slow payments to defense contractors.
Policy
The ‘Nightmare Scenario’ Has Happened and You’re to Blame
Trump’s withdrawal from from Syria is what military leaders feared — and exactly what he promised.
Ideas
James Mattis’s Final Protest Against the President
The defense secretary, who resigned on Thursday, was one of the last senior officials in the government who could constrain Donald Trump.
Ideas
Congress Must Face the Truth about Trump
Mattis is telling you that the president lacks respect for allies and a clear-eyed view of malign actors and strategic competitors.
Defense Systems
Air Force wraps up third bug bounty program
Hack the Air Force 3.0 uncovered 130 vulnerabilities in public-facing websites and services.
Policy
Mattis Resigns Over Disagreements with Trump
In two-page resignation letter, defense secretary cites need to treat allies with respect, potential adversaries with resolve.
Threats
DOJ Hits Chinese Hackers For Attacking U.S. Navy, Agencies, Companies
Hackers with the Chinese government hit 45 targets in campaign going back years.
Ideas
To Succeed in Syria, Don’t Withdraw — Rebrand
The president’s plan is a disaster. If he wants to claim victory, there’s a better way.
Ideas
Trump’s Gifts to Turkey Repeat Mistakes and Set Bad Precedents
The withdrawal from Syria and sale of missiles to Ankara will undermine U.S. efforts to work with partners and rebuff Russian influence.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon Doesn’t Know All the Software on Its Networks—And That’s a Problem
The Defense Department faces “unnecessary” risk without a complete software inventory, according to the agency’s inspector general.
Ideas
It Was Time to Leave Syria Anyway
If the gains won by Kurdish and Arab sacrifice completely depend on our continued military presence, then they were illusory to begin with.
Defense Systems
Army looks to improve training simulations with intelligent automation
The Army Research Lab wants to reduce the manpower needed to design and run large-scale simulation-based training events.
Defense Systems
Deadline extended for Fed 100 nominations
You now have until Friday, Jan. 4, to get them in. Happy holidays!
Policy