Science & Tech
NSA Chief: Don’t Assume China Hacked OPM
Attribution, which came so quickly when North Korea hacked Sony, is proving trickier when China stands accused.
Policy
Obama to Families of American Hostages: 'We Will Stand By You'
The president announced Wednesday that the government will no longer threaten prosecution for families who try to pay ransom to hostage-takers.
Defense Systems
Military establishes space-focused center to counter China, Russia
The Air Force and Rand Corp. have established the China Aerospace Studies Institute to focus on the persistent threat China and Russia poses to U.S. technological and military superiority.
Defense Systems
DISA rolls out new classified smartphone system
The new version of DMCC-S improves interoperability, boosts graphics and sound, and adds a mobile device management system.
Defense Systems
Navy forks over $9.1 million for XP support
Deal covers 100,000 computers still running the OS, which Microsoft debuted in 2001 and stopped selling in 2010.
Defense Systems
Army awards contract for WIN-T Increment 2
The Army has awarded General Dynamics $219 million for full-rate production of systems for its battlefield network.
Ideas
Michael Oren Is Wrong — There Has Always Been Daylight Between the US and Israel
Some Israelis think the relationship will snap back in January 2017, but it'll be more likely to continue as it always has.
Science & Tech
The US Army Is Getting Futuristic Hoverbikes
A British company is bringing hover bikes stateside for commercial use—but not before the US Army gets their own version first.
Business
Pentagon Rushing to Open Space-War Center To Counter China, Russia
Prepping for war in orbit, the military is honing tactics and building a new center to coordinate defense and development.
Defense Systems
DOD set to 'double down' on geospatial intelligence
Speakers at the GEOINT symposium talk about the value, but also the challenges, of "creating coherence out of chaos."
Defense Systems
Navy boosts Raytheon's contract for Next Generation Jammer
The $13 million contract modification support development of the service's next electronic warfare weapon.
Policy
NATO Members’ Defense Spending, in Two Charts
The alliance’s easternmost members are ratcheting up their budgets as Russian threats loom.
Science & Tech
Robots Won't Be Taking These Military Jobs Anytime Soon
A chief Air Force scientist says that there’s no way to automate drone-based intelligence collection without a major technological breakthrough.
Ideas
TPP’s Failure Wouldn’t Doom Washington’s Asia Strategy
A ‘no’ vote in Congress would be a setback, but there are other ways to counter China.
Policy
Senate, House a World Apart When It Comes to Nukes
It's not that the Senate isn't interested in the issue — the House just has a bigger mandate.
Ideas
A Jordanian Man's Journey From the Arab Spring to al-Qaeda Foot Soldier
After pro-democracy protests failed in Jordan, one teenager's determination to make a difference led him into the arms of al-Qaeda in Syria.
Business