Policy
Former CIA Director Braces for 'Torture Report'
Anticipating a Tuesday release of a report from the Senate Intelligence Committee, Michael Hayden said it's is as if the agency 'has been tried and convicted in absentia.' By Allen McDuffee
Threats
US Commandos ‘Lost the Element of Surprise’ in Yemen Raid
American journalist Luke Somers is killed in a second attempt to rescue him from al-Qaeda militants in Yemen. By Gordon Lubold
Threats
Hagel Visits Afghanistan Amid a ‘Spike’ in Violence
Chuck Hagel is in Kabul on what is likely his last trip as defense secretary. By Gordon Lubold
Ideas
The National Security Case for Raising the Gas Tax
Lowering the world price of oil may help undercut or prevent dictators that may become our enemies in the near future. By Miles Kimball
Policy
John Kerry Is Trying to Stall the Release of the CIA Torture Report
The secretary of State is reportedly asking the Senate to wait to release its report on the Bush-era use of “enhanced interrogation” techniques. By Dustin Volz and Lauren Fox
Business
The Pentagon’s 2016 Budget Will Focus on the Pacific
Even though U.S. military airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria and the humanitarian response to the Ebola are at the forefront, the Pentagon’s next budget will still focus on the Pacific. By Marcus Weisgerber
Threats
The Syrian Civil War, From Space
Three years of conflict have literally plunged the country into darkness. By Uri Friedman
Business
Obama Brings Ash Carter Back To Lead the Pentagon
The former Pentagon No. 2 vows to give President Obama his ‘most candid military advice.’ By Stephanie Gaskell
Science & Tech
America's Spies Want To Build an Even More Super Supercomputer
The Intelligence Community's research arm is directing scientists to build a system that could make America the frontrunner in world supercomputing. By Frank Konkel
Ideas
The US Needs To Recognize Russia’s Monroe Doctrine
Imagine if the roles were reversed; Washington’s attitude toward Russia’s regional fears seems more than a little hypocritical. By Ted Galen Carpenter
Defense Systems
House approves $584.2 billion Defense spending plan for 2015
The bill, now headed to the Senate, includes a 1 percent pay increase but cuts some benefits.
Defense Systems
Researchers demo cyber defenses for drones
The University of Virginia demonstrated techniques designed to harden unmanned systems from cyber attacks.
Business
Retaliation Against Victims of Military Sexual Assault Still Persists
The Pentagon’s report to the president on sexual assault shows progress – except on retaliation against victims. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
House Lawmakers To Reintroduce Bill To Limit NSA 'Backdoor' Spying
The measure passed the House earlier this year with major bipartisan support, but was cut out of ongoing funding negotiations. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Hagel Says the Decision To Leave the Pentagon Was Mutual
But the outgoing defense secretary reveals little about why the White House forced him out. By Gordon Lubold
Ideas
The US Should Condemn Bahrain, Not Rationalize For Them
As the 10th Manama Dialogue convenes, Bahrain’s monarchy is a human rights nightmare and source of insecurity the United States should be condemning, not celebrating. By Brian Dooley
Science & Tech
Why Eel Drones Are the Future of Naval Warfare
Robots that mimic the movement of eels could be the future of amphipods assault. By Patrick Tucker
Policy