Business
Here's How the Military Wants To Fix the Way It Buys Weapons
Defense Undersecretary Frank Kendall says the Better Buying Power 3.0 plan will keep the Pentagon from losing its technological edge. By Charles S. Clark
Ideas
If There Is ‘No Military Solution’ in Iraq, Where Is the Non-Military Solution?
Rather than reducing the motivations for joining ISIS, the U.S. military plan seems bound to add to them. By Sarah Chayes
Threats
Meet the Other Terror Group in Syria That Could Actually Threaten the US
The Khorasan group is collaborating with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni offshoot known for trying to slip bombs past airport security. By Tim Fernholz
Defense Systems
Navy's Triton UAV takes its first cross-country flight
The unmanned maritime surveillance aircraft has flown from California to Maryland for the start of operational testing.
Defense Systems
Navy looks for layered 'fishing nets' of cyber defense
ONR official also calls for more automated cyber tools that can provide proactive detection and defense.
Defense Systems
Watch: Synthetic vision to allow pilots to fly 'blind'
A DARPA video shows helicopter pilots using real-time visualizations to navigate and avoid obstacles.
Business
Review Finds Few Efficiences in the Pentagon's Joint Basing Plan
A new GAO report reveals numerous geographic and technological problems to the Pentagon's plan to consolidate 26 bases into 12 joint facilities. By Bob Brewin
Ideas
A New Plan: Make U.S. Foreign Policy Swifter, Stronger and More Agile
We propose a solution: completely reorganize the structure of how we conduct foreign policy in ‘fragile states’ such as Iraq. By Ronald E. Neumann, Dennis Blair and Eric Olson
Science & Tech
The Rise of the Islamic State Could Mean More Drones
The recent trend in less spending for drones just hit a big bump in the wake of the threat of Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria. By Patrick Tucker
Ideas
Why It’s OK for Obama To Ignore Military Advice
Presidents don’t always listen to their top military leaders when it comes to matters of national defense. And that’s not always a bad thing. By Lawrence Korb
Threats
Obama's ISIL Strategy Includes Reaching Out to Muslims in the US
The Department of Homeland Security says Muslim American communities need to be the 'front lines' against efforts to recruit youths to join the Islamic State. By Charles S. Clark
Threats
Are We Downplaying the Risks of Homegrown Terrorism?
Since 9/11, Americans radicalized in the U.S. have been most lethal. So why isn't there more debate about the risk of blowback from the war on ISIL? By Robert Wright
Policy
How to Defeat the Islamic State, According to Ted Cruz
The senator’s brand of national security is more steeped in dangerous, pandering rhetoric than actual military advice. By Peter Beinart
Policy
Senate Approves Obama's Mission To Train Syrian Rebels
In its last pre-election move, Congress sends the president a bill to arm and train properly vetted members of the Syrian opposition. By Michael Catalini and Sarah Mimms
Defense Systems
Intelligence agencies getting on board with IC ITE
With the foundation set, the initiative is also looking to improve enterprise management and develop new capabilities.
Policy
Congress Staves Off Another Government Shutdown...For Now
The Senate easily passed a short-term spending bill on Thursday, clearing the way for the government to avoid a shutdown until at least mid-December. By Eric Katz
Threats
NSA Says Intelligence on the Islamic State Could Have Been 'Stronger'
The nation’s top spies account for faulty intelligence in Iraq and warn that ‘it could get bad.’ By Patrick Tucker
Policy
Rand Paul Is Still Figuring Out His Middle East Policy
In a long speech on the Senate floor, the Kentucky Republican laid out a spotty foreign policy vision while taking swipes at members of his own party. By Rebecca Nelson
Policy
Ukrainian President Asks Congress for Lethal Aid To Confront Russia
Poroshenko's visit to Washington on Thursday was a show of solidarity with the U.S., and he wanted Russian President Vladimir Putin to know it. By Marina Koren
Ideas