Threats

Why Sanctions on Iran Are Not at All Like the Embargo on Cuba

Havana and Tehran are very, very different—and here's why the Obama administration’s approach to U.S. sanctions should be, too. By Bobby Ghosh

Business

The Drop in Oil Prices Could Save the Pentagon Billions of Dollars

Lower oil prices could also hurt U.S. weapon sales to oil-rich Middle Eastern countries. By Marcus Weisgerber

Business

Air Force Cancels Its Plans for Layoffs in 2015

The Air Force planned to carry out involuntary separation boards to meet budgetary requirements. This week, the plan changed. By Eric Katz

Science & Tech

Forget the Sony Hack, This Could Be the Biggest Cyber Attack of 2015

The Sony hack may have gotten a movie pulled from theaters, but it’s not the cyber war you’re looking for. By Patrick Tucker

Policy

Here Are All the US Ambassador Nominees the Senate Left in Limbo

After a flurry of confirmations, the Senate left a dozen U.S. ambassador nominees hanging until next year. By Charles S. Clark

Threats

America's $28 Billion Failure in Pakistan

The U.S. has never convinced the Pakistanis to confront militants. Could that change after the Taliban's school attack? By David Rohde

Policy

GOP Senators Are Lukewarm on Jeb Bush as Commander in Chief

As Jeb Bush explores a presidential run in 2016, GOP leaders on national security aren't jumping to endorse him. By Molly O’Toole

Defense Systems

Army installs first sense-and-avoid radar for drones

Fort Hood hosts the ground-based system, a step toward greater use of UAS in domestic airspace.

Defense Systems

Army forms teams of experts to support DCGS-A training

Tactical engagement teams will school leaders and soldiers on employing the intelligence system as a weapons system.

Ideas

Is Obama’s ‘Iraq First’ Strategy Working Against ISIS?

The Obama administration believes it can tackle problems in Iraq first, then Syria, but will that make things better or worse down the road? By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Stephanie Gaskell

Business

Army Details Future Controversial Helicopter Swap With the National Guard

Apache, Blackhawk, Kiowa and Lakota helicopters are all on the block for major realignment. By Marcus Weisgerber

Policy

The Cuba Deal: Why Now?

It comes down to two words: biology and technology. By Moises Naim

Ideas

Why Police Spying On Americans Is Everyone’s Problem

The militarization on display in Ferguson is nothing compared to the law enforcement intelligence drift you can’t see. By Michael German

Business

The US-Cuba Turnaround Just Raised the Stakes for Border Security

Expanding travel and commerce will likely result in significant spikes in air traffic, merchant ships and small vessel traffic across a network of maritime ports. By Pat DeQuattro

Threats

America Is Learning the Hard Way How To Respond to Cyber Threats

The Obama administration's caution in responding to the alleged North Korean hack on Sony Pictures illuminates the boundaries of national cyber security policy. By Adam Segal

Science & Tech

How Surveillance and Privacy Will Overlap in 2025

In a new paper from Pew, experts warn that privacy will become a luxury commodity as surveillance-free spaces are rapidly disappearing. By Adrienne Lafrance

Business

Nearly $1 Billion Spent To Elevate Afghan Women May Have Been Squandered

Neither the State Department nor USAID could identify any results from the $850 million spent to improve the lives of women in Afghanistan. By Charles S. Clark

Policy

Marco Rubio Seizes on Cuba Decision To Raise His National Security Profile Ahead of 2016

The junior senator from Florida carts out his hawkish foreign policy after President Obama announces monumental changes to the U.S.-Cuba relationship. By Lauren Fox