Ideas
Why are US Forces in Yemen at All?
'The truth of the matter is that America is killing people — terrorists and others — because its leaders don’t know what else to do.'
Science & Tech
Did Russia’s Election Meddling Break International Law? Experts Can’t Agree
Right now, that’s a gray area — and it’s hindering the U.S. response to influence operations.
Defense Systems
Air Force to defend B-52 with laser weapons
An Air Force Research Lab program is testing experimental versions of an externally-mounted laser pod that can track and destroy attacking enemy missiles.
Science & Tech
VA's Patchwork System Eats Most of its $4B Tech Budget. Congress Wants That to Stop.
The agency’s CIO says there’s no clear plan for replacing custom-built systems, two of which are more than 50 years old.
Threats
Elections Systems Are Critical Infrastructure, DHS Chief Affirms
Initially dubious, John Kelly now says he concurs with the Obama administration's approach.
Policy
The Future Depends on Fixing Readiness Now, Vice Chiefs Tell Lawmakers
Service leaders’ annual pilgrimage to Capitol Hill also serves as Phase One of Mattis’ long-range plan.
Science & Tech
The US Does An About-Face on New Cyber Norms
The US delegate now says a UN cybersecurity group should pause hashing out new rules for online behavior and instead try to get governments to adhere to the ones we have.
Ideas
'You’re Fired!' Will Not Fix Federal Cybersecurity
Sacking agency heads after a breach won’t make data and systems safer. Here’s what will.
Defense Systems
Air Force tests massive B-2 sensor upgrade
New Air Force sensor technology and software will permit the stealth aircraft to evade advanced air defenses.
Ideas
Why Is New Jersey Grouping American 'Black Separatists' with ISIS?
The state’s new terror-group ranking raises more questions than it answers.
Ideas
The Right — and Wrong — Lessons of Trump’s Yemen Raid
Americans have to allow its elite men and women to be aggressive, to take risks, and to, on occasion, fall short.
Defense Systems
Navy Knifefish undersea drone finds mines in test
Knifefish uses synthetic aperture sonar to find enemy mines in high-clutter environments.
Science & Tech
As Fighting Resumes, Ukraine Extends a Wary Hand to Washington
Past missteps and half-measures have undermined trust in the U.S, but commanders still say there are ways to help.
Ideas
Mapped: America's Collective Defense Agreements
The United States has agreements to come to the defense of more than 50 other nations.
Ideas
Welcome to America’s ‘Nuclear Sponge’
If ICBMs are meant to draw enemy missiles toward American soil, it’s time to rethink our nuclear strategy.
Threats