Threats

Here’s Why Security Cameras Were No Help In Capturing Paris Terrorists

The City of Light is rather dark when it comes to close-circuit security cameras. In the wake of a terrorist attack, what does that mean? By Patrick Tucker

Science & Tech

Sony Hack Signals 'New Normal' in Cybersecurity

The real eye opener is how the hack illustrates today's cyber landscape: It’s likely to get worse before it gets better. By Frank Konkel

Policy

Now Is Not the Time To Reform the NSA, Republicans Warn

Republicans on Capitol Hill say the shooting in Paris shows that the NSA should be empowered and not hamstrung by reform. By Lauren Fox

Science & Tech

How US Special Forces Uses Google Maps

Looking for your car in a parking lot? How about a rooftop sniper? By Patrick Tucker

Business

America's Border Drones Are Costly and Ineffective, Watchdog Finds

An inspector general's report says the Department of Homeland Security's drone program does not do enough to justify a nearly half-billion dollar expansion. By Dustin Volz

Policy

New GOP Congress Targets Increased Sanctions on Iran

A Republican-led Congress gives hawks new life to counter the president's negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. By Kaveh Waddell

Threats

Gunmen Open Fire at Paris Magazine, Killing 12

A dozen people were killed after gunmen opened fire at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical publication that has been targeted before. By Adam Chandler

Defense Systems

Army a step closer to one HR system for all soldiers

The servicewide personnel and pay system will replace 40 old, disparate systems and cover more than 1 million service members.

Policy

Obama Sidelines Mexico Security Issues During Presidential Visit

The U.S.-Mexico security partnership is threatened by accusations of corruption and human rights abuses. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

The Islamic State Is Losing Its Momentum

Evidence suggests that the Islamic State's power has been declining for months. By Daveed Gartenstein-Ross

Threats

US To Send More Troops to Iraq To Train Iraqi Forces

The current plan is to train 12 Iraqi Army brigades, but Pentagon officials say that could expand. By Gordon Lubold

Science & Tech

The Problem With Calling Cyber Attacks 'Terrorism'

Are cyber attacks—designed to steal, corrupt, disrupt, degrade, or destroy—the equivalent of use of force or violence? By Micah Zenko

Science & Tech

The Air Force Needs a Lot More Drone Pilots

An internal memo between top Air Force generals shows there are too few pilots to fill the Pentagon's growing demand for air strikes over places like Iraq and Syria. By Hanna Kozlowska

Science & Tech

Did the Pentagon's Switch to the Cloud Actually Save Money?

The Defense Department's inspector general wants to know if its recent switch to cloud computing is paying off. By Frank Konkel

Policy

What a Homeland Security Shutdown Would Look Like

If the new Congress can't cut a deal with the president on Department of Homeland Security funding, here's what could happen come March. By Rachel Roubein

Ideas

If Only America Cared About Actual Wars as Much as War Movies

America loves 'American Sniper,' but there are consequences when a nation is so disengaged with its own wars. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Defense Systems

Pentagon wants fast, bird-like UAS for urban missions

A DARPA program is looking to develop smaller drones, functioning like birds or even insects, that could operate in tight spaces.

Defense Systems

NRL demos super-fast ship-to-shore wireless system

The TREC system hits 720 megabits/sec close to shore and holds a still-solid signal more than 22 miles out to sea.