Ideas

Stop Fearing Iran and Back the Free Syrian Army

The Free Syrian Army has done everything the U.S. has asked of them. It’s time to help them before it’s too late. By Oubai Shahbandar and Michael Pregent

Business

What the US Navy of the Future Looks Like

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert previews the Navy's new course in increasingly hostile international waters. By Janine Davidson and Sam Ehrlich

Defense Systems

Nanotech process a breath of fresh air for submarines

The SAMMS technology offers an environmentally safe way to purify the air without the bad smell and hazardous waste created by the current system.

Defense Systems

With SWAT, Air Force out to boost its electronic warfare skills

The program will run sophisticated simulations to evaluate the latest technologies in the fight to control the spectrum.

Threats

ISIS Beheads Another American Hostage

A video released Sunday by the terrorist group shows the execution of an American aid worker and former U.S. Army Ranger. By Marina Koren

Threats

State Department and White House Networks Hacked at the Same Time

The breaches have forced officials to take down the State Department's unclassified email system for repairs, disrupting email traffic and access to public websites. By Aliya Sternstein

Science & Tech

This US Navy Ship Is Now Armed With a Drone-Killing Laser Beam

No one knows if the weapons system will actually work in actual warfare, but the laser's deployment allows for rigorous testing. By Matt Phillips

Policy

Romney: Don't Rule Out Boots on the Ground in Iraq

The former GOP presidential contender gave the president some advice on both foreign and domestic policy. By Rebecca Nelson

Threats

The Constraints on US Intelligence in Nigeria

It will take a lot more than last week's addition of 40 U.S. military personnel to Abuja for Nigeria's Army to neutralize the threat of Boko Haram terrorists. By Jesse Sloman

Business

DOD To Spend Billions More on Nukes

The Pentagon announces a series of changes it plans to make to its nuclear forces following embarrassing scandals, including spending billions of dollars more. By Marcus Weisgerber

Ideas

Does America Really Need To Be the Leader of the Free World?

An MIT professor and a war veteran discuss whether the U.S. should respond to every crisis that pops up across the globe. By Scott Beauchamp

Threats

How Powerful Is Russia's Military?

After years of post-Soviet neglect, Moscow is overhauling its armed forces in ways that could have regional consequences.

Defense Systems

DARPA-funded soft robotics program is a Big Hero

An inflatable robotic arm developed at Carnegie Mellon under DARPA’s M3 program served as the inspiration for Baymax in the hit movie.

Defense Systems

Flight tests begin on system to speed up air strikes

DARPA's Persistent Close Air Support system links ground and air crews, allowing them to jointly select precision-guided weapons.

Policy

Senate Moves Closer to a Vote on NSA Reform

In a surprise move, Senate majority leader Harry Reid is looking to advance a bulk data-collection bill before his party returns to the minority. By Dustin Volz

Policy

Can the US Defeat ISIS Without Removing Assad?

Two months into its campaign against the Islamic State, the White House may be rethinking its strategy. By Adam Chandler

Policy

New Bill Targets the Pensions of Misbehaving VA Employees

Rep. Jeff Miller wants to prevent senior executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs who are about to be fired from retiring with full benefits. By Kellie Lunney

Policy

Did the SEALs on the Bin Laden Raid Break Their Code of Silence for Fame and Fortune?

An interview with former SEAL Team 6 member Matt Bissonnette. By James Kitfield