Policy

How the U.S. and Europe Failed James Foley

The different U.S. and European approaches to abductions reflect a particularly grim fact confronting American citizens abroad. By David Rohde

Business

Here's How the Pentagon's Bean Counters Are Managing on a Tight Budget

The Pentagon's budget managers are increasingly turning to data analytics as they scramble to retain experts in an era of sequesters and furloughs. By Clarles S. Clark

Threats

Why America Should Declare War on the Islamic State

Obama's response to the terrorists of the Islamic State has been reactive and piecemeal so far. That must change. By James Kitfield

Threats

Top Six Strategic Threats to Worry About in Today's Global Headlines

Forget the Cold War, in the new era of strategic deterrence how do you solve a problem like non-state extremists, nuclear neophytes and attacks in space? By Elaine M. Grossman

Science & Tech

Nailing Down the Real Danger of 'Killer Robots'

If calling autonomous systems by a more lethal name kickstarts a discussion about their future use, experts are okay with that. By Rose Eveleth

Ideas

Yet Again, CIA is Concealing Information Americans Should See

Only President Obama can break the stalemate between CIA and the Senate over declassifying the 9/11 torture report. By J. William Leonard

Threats

U.S. Military Tried to Rescue Foley; Obama Defies Threats With New Iraq Airstrikes

Obama defies the Islamic State's threats to kill more journalists as U.S. hit Iraq with more airstrikes and possibly 300 more troops. By Ben Watson

Defense Systems

DOD looks to help slow the spread of chikungunya virus

While the services raise awareness, DARPA offers $150,000 for a model that can predict where it will strike next.

Defense Systems

Program would fortify armored vehicles without adding armor

DARPA’s is looking for technologies that could allow vehicles to dodge incoming fire or avoid enemy detection entirely.

Defense Systems

Lockheed demonstrates new maritime test bed for Navy

Simulated Aegis radar data was integrated with other ISR data to provide increased situational awareness in recent tests.

Business

Budget Cuts Delay New Nuclear Missile By Two Years

The drive to replace the Minuteman 3 nukes with newer Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent missiles just hit a $28 million snag. By Elaine M. Grossman

Science & Tech

Foreign Government Agents Suspected of Hacking U.S. Nuclear Regulator

Malware and phishing campaigns compromised the computers of at least a dozen U.S. workers at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with a technique the Chinese and Russians have used before. By Aliya Sternstein

Science & Tech

Behind the High Tech Forensics of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17

Dutch officials in charge of identifying survivors explain the difficult task of matching the missing with surviving family members. By Aliya Sternstein

Policy

What Isolationists? Poll Finds Americans Like Air Strikes

The latest poll from the Pew Research Center finds an American public shifting its tone on intervention, much like the 1999 strikes against Serbia once did. By James M. Lindsay

Business

This is NATO's Version of 'Netjets'

The little-known Strategic Airlift Capability Program provides high-end air assets to alliance partners on the cheap. It's a template that should be expanded. By Janine Davidson

Threats

When Fleeing War Is Illegal

Palestinians escaping Syria are being turned away by neighboring states, much like Iraq's Palestinians shortly after 2003. But relief today doesn't look like it did then. By Alice Su

Business

Nearly 8 out of 10 'Small' Federal Contractors Are Actually Giants

Nearly 80 percent of the companies receiving small business federal contracts last year were anything but 'small businesses.' By Charles S. Clark

Defense Systems

In drone wars, dogfights won't be in the air but in the spectrum

All unmanned craft use an RF link, with makes them vulnerable, says the chief of the Army’s Electronic Warfare Division. DOD is looking for an electromagnetic advantage.

Threats

What Makes a Pope Sign Off on War Today?

The pope on Monday endorsed use of force in Iraq to protect minorities. But he had one key caution in the name of preventing U.S. airstrikes from escalating into a broader conflict. By Tim Fernholz

Policy

Here Are the 7 Pages That Gave President Obama Cover to Kill Americans

A newly released memo giving Obama legal cover from extrajudicial killings is alarmingly terse. By Conor Friedersdorf