Business
The Trouble With Defense Acquisition May Be the Workforce
The Defense Department could be doomed to wasteful spending when it comes to large weapons contracts if it doesn't change key incentives guiding its acquisition managers, a new report says. By Katherine McIntire Peters
Science & Tech
Should We Put Robots in Charge of Cybersecurity?
Most network intrusions can be traced back to human error. Are robots the answer? By Aliya Sternstein
Ideas
US Strategic Leaders Need to Think Bigger – Much Bigger
The entire international system is in flux. It’s time U.S. leaders figure out America’s core interests and start fresh. By Hanna Samir Kassab
Threats
Five Reasons To Pay Attention to Boko Haram’s Latest Video
While the public has largely forgotten about the extremist group Boko Haram, a new video suggests their campaign of terror and violence across Nigeria is far from finished. By Jacob Zenn and Allen Grane
Science & Tech
Twitter Sues the Government To Disclose More About Spying
Twitter’s legal action breaks from an agreement other tech giants made with the government earlier this year. By Dustin Volz
Defense Systems
ARL project: Better mileage, more power through supercomputing
Researchers working under an award from DOD's Frontier Project will tap a billion hours of supercomputing time to study—and improve—engine performance.
Defense Systems
DISA's milCloud now offering classified services
The agency has configured its cloud computing service for the Secret IP Router Network.
Policy
Will Afghanistan Become the ‘Forgotten War’ Again?
As the U.S. military draws down in Afghanistan after 13 years of war, history shows it can’t take anything for granted. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Air Strikes Haven't Stopped ISIS From Moving On a Key Syrian City
The efficacy of the US-led airstrikes is under scrutiny as Islamic State fighters raise their flag over parts of the northern Syrian town of Kobani. By Adam Chandler
Science & Tech
The Quiet Rise of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
The NGA's intelligence-gathering has played a key role in every major world crisis since the raid on Osama bin Laden in 2011. By Jack Moore
Threats
Report: Mortars Land in Baghdad’s Green Zone
Islamic State fighters are closing in on the Iraqi capital. By Stephanie Gaskell
Science & Tech
Taliban Spokesman Gives Away His Hiding Spot on Twitter
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid made a series of tweets last week which accidentally geolocated him to Sindh, Pakistan. By Adam Epstein
Defense Systems
Coast Guard to evaluate deploying drones along the coast
The agency plans flight tests to see how SAUS would fare assisting maritime first responders and other operations.
Ideas
Why It's Nearly Impossible To End the Cuba Embargo
Bill Clinton tried engaging Fidel Castro. After Havana shot down two U.S. planes, it all fell apart. By Peter Korbluh and William M. Leogrande
Policy
These Are All the Countries That Now Recognize Palestinian Statehood
The list of more than 130 nations recognizing the state of Palestine just added Sweden, the first EU nation. Here's the full tally ahead of the UK's vote next week. By Kabir Chibber
Science & Tech
Inside the Navy’s Secret Swarm Robot Experiment
Swarming robot boats could be heading to a contested strait near you. By Patrick Tucker
Defense Systems
Navy puts autonomous 'swarmboats' into action
In a breakthrough demonstration, 13 boats operating autonomously or by remote worked together to escort a high-value vessel and surround a mock enemy.
Business
Barack Obama's Friendly-Fire Problem
Leon Panetta is the latest former aide to criticize the president publicly. This kind of thing didn't always happen. By David Graham
Threats
How Iran Scammed America Out of a Nuclear Deal
A year ago, Iran was in crisis. Now it’s on the verge of a diplomatic triumph. By David Frum
Threats