Policy
Will Afghanistan Become the ‘Forgotten War’ Again?
As the U.S. military draws down in Afghanistan after 13 years of war, history shows it can’t take anything for granted. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Air Strikes Haven't Stopped ISIS From Moving On a Key Syrian City
The efficacy of the US-led airstrikes is under scrutiny as Islamic State fighters raise their flag over parts of the northern Syrian town of Kobani. By Adam Chandler
Science & Tech
The Quiet Rise of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
The NGA's intelligence-gathering has played a key role in every major world crisis since the raid on Osama bin Laden in 2011. By Jack Moore
Threats
Report: Mortars Land in Baghdad’s Green Zone
Islamic State fighters are closing in on the Iraqi capital. By Stephanie Gaskell
Science & Tech
Taliban Spokesman Gives Away His Hiding Spot on Twitter
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid made a series of tweets last week which accidentally geolocated him to Sindh, Pakistan. By Adam Epstein
Defense Systems
Coast Guard to evaluate deploying drones along the coast
The agency plans flight tests to see how SAUS would fare assisting maritime first responders and other operations.
Ideas
Why It's Nearly Impossible To End the Cuba Embargo
Bill Clinton tried engaging Fidel Castro. After Havana shot down two U.S. planes, it all fell apart. By Peter Korbluh and William M. Leogrande
Policy
These Are All the Countries That Now Recognize Palestinian Statehood
The list of more than 130 nations recognizing the state of Palestine just added Sweden, the first EU nation. Here's the full tally ahead of the UK's vote next week. By Kabir Chibber
Science & Tech
Inside the Navy’s Secret Swarm Robot Experiment
Swarming robot boats could be heading to a contested strait near you. By Patrick Tucker
Defense Systems
Navy puts autonomous 'swarmboats' into action
In a breakthrough demonstration, 13 boats operating autonomously or by remote worked together to escort a high-value vessel and surround a mock enemy.
Business
Barack Obama's Friendly-Fire Problem
Leon Panetta is the latest former aide to criticize the president publicly. This kind of thing didn't always happen. By David Graham
Threats
How Iran Scammed America Out of a Nuclear Deal
A year ago, Iran was in crisis. Now it’s on the verge of a diplomatic triumph. By David Frum
Threats
Why ISIL Hasn't Derailed America's Pivot to the Pacific
Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work sees no risk with the Asia-Pacific rebalance while staying active in Europe and the Middle East. The real risks are with Congress. By Janine Davidson
Ideas
Is the Islamic State a Terrorist Group or an Insurgency?
What’s happening in Iraq and Syria calls for a full-blown counterinsurgency – if the American people can stomach it. By Jerry Meyerle
Ideas
The Navy Has No Strategy? A Response to Randy Forbes
The Navy is far from rudderless. In fact, it’s a victim of it’s own overwhelming success. By Jerry Hendrix
Defense Systems
Sign of the times: cyber's bigger role in Air Force's Red Flag
Cyber specialists test their capabilities during the service’s principal air-to-air combat training exercise.
Defense Systems
Air Force fires back at IG over Reaper buys
The service says that the DOD Inspector General's report on purchases of the unmanned aircraft used out-of-date information.
Threats
Gen. Campbell Will Recommend a Slower Drawdown in Afghanistan, If Needed
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says he’s staying flexible when it comes to drawing down troops. By Gordon Lubold
Ideas
What Drones Can Do Besides Killing Terrorists
It’s time everyone – including the media – start distinguishing between combat drones that kill and surveillance drones that save lives. By Melissa S. Hersh
Policy