Business

The VA's Troubles (Still) Aren't Going Anywhere

The department's Inspector General's Office is investigating 93 facilities and believes scheduling manipulation purposely took place in roughly three out of every four. By Jordain Carney

Science & Tech

The FCC Website Will Likely Crash on Wednesday

The Federal Communications Commission plays a vital role in the nation’s response to cyber incidents and it’s about to be hit by a major disruption. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

Is Obama's Caution on the Islamic State Paying Off?

From a steep rise in support from the American public to an assertive Arab League and a new Baghdad government, there are some good signs in the fight against the Islamic State. By Bobby Ghosh

Threats

Did Western Hubris Create Vladimir Putin?

Where the West saw the spread of democracy, Putin saw encroachment. Now, with hard power and bold lies, Moscow has drawn a new dividing line in the East. By James Kitfield

Defense Systems

Army eyes small, light SATCOM terminals for Special Ops

CERDEC is looking for technologies to build a lightweight antenna that can operate in low look angles.

Defense Systems

Army to spend $23 million on landmine-hunting robots

The service awards a contract for the Autonomous Mine Detection System to detect, mark and neutralize buried explosives.

Ideas

What Obama Needs To Tell the American People About the Islamic State

While limited air strikes in Iraq have slowed the progress of the Islamic State, it’s clear that more must be done. By Rep. Martha Roby

Policy

Islamic State Dominates the Post-Recess Conversation in Congress

Congress is unlikely to vote on authorization for broad war powers in Iraq and Syria ahead of the midterms, but the deepening debate could shape U.S. policy for years to come. By Molly O’Toole

Science & Tech

Social Media’s Very Arab Future

What does the Arab world’s Twitter use reveal about the U.S. challenge of winning hearts and minds online? By Patrick Tucker

Business

The VA Is Struggling To Fill 'Tens of Thousands' of Jobs

VA Secretary Bob McDonald is looking for 'tens of thousands' of new health professionals to help move the department past its crisis of confidence with the public. By Kellie Lunney

Ideas

How the Lessons of Iraq Are Shaping the Fight Against the Islamic State

After 4 years of war in Iraq, the U.S. learned the importance of patience and restraint--lessons that dominate today's strategic fight against the Islamic State. By Col. Steve Liszewski

Policy

The Risks and Rewards of Obama's 'No Ground Troops' Pledge

If the president's motive is politics, both hawks and doves have reason to be worried. By Ron Fournier

Policy

NSA Reform Will Likely Wait Until After the Election

It looks increasingly like legislation to reform the government’s surveillance programs might not get touched at all until next year. By Dustin Volz

Ideas

A Case for Edward Snowden's Immunity

Any effort that tries to rebuild the well-behaved aspects of the NSA's surveillance system while ignoring the critical role of whistleblowers is sure to fail. By Yochai Benkler

Defense Systems

Raising the stakes: NATO says a cyber attack on one is an attack on all

A new policy includes cyber attacks under Article 5 of the NATO charter, which—if invoked—could require member states to respond collectively.

Defense Systems

Army looks to harness LTE for battlefield ISR

CERDEC is seeking possible providers of a deployable LTE network that would increase soldiers’ situational awareness.

Defense Systems

Watch: DARPA’s future armored vehicles concept

The agency is looking to build smaller vehicles that would sense and dodge enemy attacks.

Policy

What to Expect from Congress This Fall

From the Islamic State to immigration, lawmakers face a long list of problems demanding solid solutions. Here's why you shouldn't hold your breath. By Norm Ornstein

Threats

Here's What Often Happens After You Kill a Terrorist Leader

With history as our guide, here's what you can reasonably expect from al-Shabab after its leader was killed last week in a U.S. airstrike last week. By Kathy Gilsinan

Business

Would Pay Scales Close the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap?

A better understanding of what cybersecurity professionals do, along with implementing a graduated pay scale, could be two big steps in the right direction. By Aliya Sternstein