Threats
US Targets the Khorasan Group With a New Round of Airstrikes
The Defense Department says the terrorist organization is plotting to attack the United States or Europe. By Jordain Carney
Science & Tech
The Military Wants New Technologies To Fight Drones
These are the technologies we will use to counter drones in the future. By Patrick Tucker
Policy
Plunging Oil Prices Set Off a Global Chess Game
High oil prices have sustained kleptocracies in places like Russia and Venezuela. Will the fall in prices at the pump also mean more instability around the world? By Norm Ornstein
Science & Tech
The FBI’s Quiet Plan To Expand Its Hacking Powers
Authorities are asking a little-known rule-making panel to increase the FBI’s search warrant powers to remotely hack into computers. By Dustin Volz
Threats
The D Brief: Austin’s briefing won’t be televised; Former SEAL sues his lawyer; Death rate in Afg unsustainable; and a bit more.
By Gordon Lubold with Ben Watson
Defense Systems
Air Force hospital adds Ebola-zapping robot
The Xenex system uses xenon ultraviolet light to rid rooms of a full range of viruses.
Defense Systems
With pull of a plug, Navy completes transition to new ERP system
The final portions of the old system are transferred to Navy ERP, as MFCS is shut down.
Threats
As End Looms, US Warns Afghan Troops Taking ‘Unsustainable’ Casualties
While NATO curbs its mission, Afghanistan’s troop fatalities and attrition are placing enormous strains on Kabul’s security forecast. By Ben Watson
Policy
The Senate's Defense Policy Could Soon Rest in John McCain's Hands
Sen. John McCain is widely expected to become the next Armed Services Committee chairman in January. Here's how things could get interesting. By Jordain Carney
Policy
Obama To Ask Congress for New War Powers To Fight ISIS
After insisting for months he had sufficient authority to fight ISIS, Obama on Wednesday announced he will ask Congress for a new AUMF. By Molly O’Toole
Business
Pentagon's Weapons Man Kendall Doesn't Buy Rumors of Sequestration's Repeal
Frank Kendall says life will go on inside the Pentagon regardless of the political temperature on Capitol Hill. By Marcus Weisgerber
Policy
Here’s Why the Midterms Are Not a National Security Mandate
Don’t expect a sudden, dramatic shift in direction on national security in Congress after Tuesday night’s midterm elections. By Molly O’Toole
Defense Systems
Tiny drone with brain-like chip learns on the fly
HRL Labs, working under a DARPA program, gives early flight to artificial intelligence.
Defense Systems
Harvest time: Wearable gear generates its own power
The Army is testing technologies that could take batteries out of the equation for soldiers in the field.
Science & Tech
The Next Big Thing To Fight Hackers? Self-Healing Computers
Homeland Security networks should be able to not only detect hackers and throttle their destructive tactics -- but also robotically bounce back. By Aliya Sternstein
Ideas
Is Religion The Cause of All Major Wars in History?
In her new book, Fields of Blood, Karen Armstrong argues against the idea that faith causes wars. By Emma Green
Threats
DOD Civilians Can Opt Out of the Ebola Quarantine
Unlike military service members, defense civilian employees fighting Ebola abroad can refuse the 21-day quarantine. By Kellie Lunney
Threats
Iranians Mark 35th Anniversary of Hostage Crisis With Protests
Iranians marked the anniversary of the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by hosting a series of anti-American rallies. By Adam Chandler
Science & Tech