Business
Why the Shutdown Didn’t Much Affect Defense Firms
Timing is everything. Three days — including a weekend — is not quite enough to cause production problems that really hurt.
Ideas
Give the Low-Yield SLBM its Day in Court
There are advantages to lowering the yields on a portion of America's nuclear-tipped sub-launched ballistic missiles.
Ideas
The Entirely Rational Basis For Turkey's Move Into Syria
Nearly a century of mistrust of America and an obsession with defeating the Kurds sparked its operation in Afrin.
Threats
SPECIAL REPORT: In Shattered Raqqa, Top US General Calls for the World’s Help
Votel assures SDF fighters the U.S. will remain committed to them, but bringing this Syrian city back to life will take more than the troops who liberated it can give.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Deputy Tapped For Powerful New Management Role
The chief management officer position would focus on business reform but include IT and data management responsibilities.
Defense Systems
Bid protest delays DOD efforts to address traumatic brain injuries
The $24.9 million contract would cover critical IT management, development and support services for the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Ideas
What We Didn't Learn from Twitter's News Dump on Russiagate
The social-media company downplayed its role in Russia's election meddling. But it's still more transparent than Facebook.
Ideas
How Should the Pentagon Reshape Its Mideast Posture? Four Indicators to Watch
A tour of possible scenarios reveals what U.S. policymakers ought to be focused on as they chart the future of regional force posture.
Ideas
Rex Tillerson's Syria Policy Is Sensible—But It's Fanciful
The resources the administration is willing to commit are at yawning variance with its ambitious goals.
Threats
What A Nuclear Missile Attack On Hawaii Would Look Like
A blast over Honolulu would be catastrophic. That doesn’t mean the government shouldn’t help the public prepare for one.
Ideas
We Don't Need a Bigger Nuclear Button
The plan outlined in a draft of the Nuclear Posture Review would cost trillions of dollars — and make Americans no safer.
Policy
UPDATED: See Who Gets Sent Home in a Shutdown
Some agencies would furlough virtually everyone, while others would remain completely open if there is a lapse in appropriations.
Threats
America Quietly Starts Nation-Building in Parts of Syria
The U.S. has escalated its presence in the country, and has signaled no timetable for when it will end.
Policy
Mattis: Pentagon Shifting Focus to Great Power Competition — ‘Not Terrorism’
The first national defense strategy in 10 years puts on paper what Mattis, McMaster have signaled for months: the U.S. is refocused on China and Russia.
Ideas
Why Are There No Cyber Arms Control Agreements?
With the emergence of a militarized cyber domain that creates the conditions for misperceptions that could lead to inadvertent conflict, why are there no cyber arms control regimes?
Ideas
What if H.R. McMaster Is Right About North Korea?
It’s reassuring to think the country wants only a defensive capability. It could very easily be wrong.
Defense Systems