Ideas
There's Far More to the Saudi-Iran Feud Than Sunnis-Vs.-Shia
The ancient religious split can only take us so far in understanding what's going on between Riyadh and Tehran.
Ideas
'Kill-Em-All With Airstrikes' Is Not Working
Here’s a summary of the anti-ISIS bombing campaign: 30,000 fighters - 20,000 killed = 30,000 fighters
Threats
Nigeria Just Arrested Its Former Defense Chief for Looting Anti-Boko Haram Funds
If the allegations are true, it would help explain the country’s gross under-resourcing of government security services.
Science & Tech
US Suspects Russian Hackers in Unprecedented Ukraine Blackout
It’s a scenario that has long worried cyber security experts.
Ideas
On ISIS, Europe Is Ignoring Its Long, Tortured History of Waging War Abroad
Even if ISIS could be defeated from the sky, another Western-led regime change is unlikely to lessen brutality in the Middle East or blunt the fervor of zealots in European capitals.
Defense Systems
Army takes electronic warfare to troops in the field
In a recent exercise, the service’s Space and Missile Defense Command demonstrated electromagnetic interference effects on GPS receivers.
Defense Systems
Northrop wins contract for GPS upgrades
The company will support modernization efforts for the embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System.
Defense Systems
DARPA picks 10 to build nano-based products
Ten companies and university partners will split into three working groups to assemble atoms into working devices.
Policy
Pentagon Transfers Two Guantanamo Detainees to Ghana
The move, the first of 17 in coming days, shrinks the total population to 105.
Threats
How to Tell The Difference Between a Nuclear Bomb Test and an Earthquake
The preliminary data suggests that the event in North Korea was not, in fact, the end of the world.
Business
The Pentagon Wants Its Next Global Communication Systems to be Agile and Open
The Defense Information Systems Agency is looking to eventually turn off its old system currently maintained primarily by Northrop Grumman.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants a portable system to counter small drones
In a recent notice, the Air Force is asking for proposals on defeating small, but potentially bomb-carrying incoming drones.
Defense Systems
Navy strategy puts a sharper focus on information warfare
In a newly released document, the Navy stresses the need to focus on information warfare in order to counter the tactics of potential adversaries.
Defense Systems
Navy wants small drones that can see in the dark
The service is looking for small tactical unmanned aerial vehicles capable of providing ISR in both day and night operations in adverse environmental conditions.
Threats
Saudi Arabia-Iran Break Threatens Syrian Peace Process
Mere weeks after the two countries backed a unanimous U.N. Security Council resolution, their sectarian-fueled escalation has likely sunk fragile hopes for Syria.
Policy
Swooning for Saudi Arabia
What the Middle East needs is not intensified conflict, as some 2016 contenders advocate, but a series of political compromises to help end the civil wars traumatizing the region.
Threats