Science & Tech
A Look Inside a Secret US Air Force Intelligence Center
With no U.S. boots on the ground in Syria and not many in Iraq, it’s up to young intelligence analysts here to search for Islamic State militants. By Marcus Weisgerber
Ideas
Four Ways the US Can Help the African Union Stand on Its Own
A united and capable Africa appeals to both regional players and Washington, which increasingly views violence within Africa’s many fragile states as enabling conditions for terrorists with growing global ambitions. By Stewart M. Patrick
Threats
The State Department's Reluctance To Disclose Hacking Unsettles Lawmakers
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle demand to know why the State Department waited at least a month before disclosing its unclassified email system had been hacked. By Aliya Sternstein
Defense Systems
Pentagon program would hitch rides with commercial satellites
DARPA’s Phoenix program has released the specs for its plan to launch detachable payloads with commercial communications satellites.
Defense Systems
Hagel’s 'game-changing' strategy to focus on tech, innovation
The Defense Innovation Initiative aims to improve every aspect of DOD operations, particularly with regard to cutting-edge technologies.
Science & Tech
The Environmentally Friendly Drone That Could 'Disappear' on the Battlefield
If this surveillance drone crashes, it's creators say it could decompose before an enemy could find it. By Shirley Li
Threats
What Obama Needs To Do To Beat ISIS
If the president is serious about dealing with the Islamic State, he will need to increase America's commitment in a measured way. By Max Boot
Ideas
How Many Flying Hours Does It Take To Kill a Terrorist?
Why is the Marine Corps so afraid of my simple idea? By Todd Harrison
Policy
Pentagon and Hill Officials Say They’re Still in the Dark On Obama's New War Powers
When and how will a new authorization for the use of military force against ISIS get drafted? By Molly O’Toole
Science & Tech
The Pentagon’s New Offset Strategy Includes Robots
Can the military still innovate the way it did during the Cold War? We will soon find out. By Patrick Tucker
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