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
More Troops, Not Nukes, Will Deter Russia
The nuclear weapons of the Cold War are useless to today’s hot conflicts in Europe. By Rep. Mike Quigley
Threats
The Islamic State Threat May Be Extending to the Asia-Pacific
Australian security forces raided hundreds of homes of suspected ISIL supporters in Sydney and Brisbane after intelligence revealed plans of a public beheading. By Lily Kuo
Threats
China Wants To Replicate NSA’s Cyber Schools
About 60 Chinese schools are interested in incorporating the NSA’s cyber education program in their curriculums. By Aliya Sternstein
Defense Systems
After hacks, Transcom to require contractors to report data breaches
A Senate investigation found that only two of at least 20 successful intrusions traced to China were reported to the Transportation Command.
Defense Systems
ULA, Bezos join forces on new rocket engine
A commercial aerospace venture backed by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos will work with the United Launch Alliance to develop a new engine for Atlas and Delta rockets used to launch many military satellites.
Science & Tech
China Hacks US Military Transport Contractors
A new report outlines serious vulnerabilities in the computer systems of military transport contractors. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
The Constitution Is More Than Just an Obstacle To Fighting ISIL
President Obama doesn't want to ask Congress to declare a war. Congress doesn't seem interested in fighting back. But the law demands otherwise. By Garrett Epps
Threats