Defense Systems

Hagel: US is losing its tech edge, needs new R&D strategy

The defense secretary says troops in future conflicts could face disruptive technologies that foil U.S. advantages.

Ideas

Where Is the Industrial Agenda for the NATO Summit?

Defense leaders have much to discuss at the NATO Summit; it’s time they included the industries that support them. By Hugo Rosemont

Business

The Pentagon Is $200 Billion Short of What It 'Needs' for FY15, Study Shows

Next year's Pentagon budget, a new analysis suggests, is dangerously dominated by personnel costs rather than a fully-realized national security plan. By Charles S. Clark

Threats

Pursuing the Islamic State to the Gates of Hell

America’s foreign-policy debate has turned in a way that could cause the Obama administration a great deal of trouble. By Peter Beinart

Threats

Al-Qaeda Looks to India to Resurrect Its Brand

Ayman al-Zawahiri turns his attention to a region that has rarely featured in his plans or his polemic, although he has lived there for more than two decades. By Bobby Ghosh

Policy

House Republicans Seek Their Own Strategy Against the Islamic State

Multiple GOP-led House committees will hold hearings next week aimed at drafting a plan to defeat the Islamic State group. By Daniel Newhauser

Threats

The Islamic State May Have Hit the Point of Diminishing Returns

As Iraqi security forces regain their footing, the Islamic State's use of terror is not enough to relieve the pressure they face on the battlefield. By Col. Clint Hinote

Science & Tech

What Made Obama's Spy Chief Suddenly Support NSA Reform?

In a remarkable shift, James Clapper has come out in support of legislation that would effectively end the bulk collection of U.S. citizens' phone records. By Dustin Volz

Ideas

It's Time for Better Options for Rescuing US Hostages

The murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff make it clear the U.S. needs alternative ways to save its own from terrorist hostage takers. By Rep. Duncan Hunter

Defense Systems

DOD’s EHR project headed in the right direction, official says

The PEO of the Healthcare Management System says standardization is critical to a workable interoperable system.

Business

Why Obama's Mental Health Initiatives Will Leave Many Veterans Without Help

Some advocates don’t think President Obama’s efforts to help troubled veterans go far enough. By Eric Katz

Threats

Will Russia Compel NATO to Spend More on Defense?

For two decades, the U.S. has been nagging allies to pay their share of NATO costs. Now, thanks to Russia, that could change. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Threats

Obama Just Used the Most Forceful Language Against Russia Since Reagan

No U.S. president since Ronald Reagan has used such forceful language against Russia. By David Frum

Ideas

Why 'More' Is Not a Better Plan for US Defense

The NDP missed a chance to help the Pentagon develop innovative solutions to its serious challenges. By Nora Bensahel

Threats

At the NATO Summit, Afghanistan Takes a Back Seat

As the war in Iraq showed, the durability of NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan must not be overshadowed by crises in Europe or elsewhere. By Janine Davidson and Emerson Brooking

Threats

How a Famous Soviet Dissident Foreshadowed Putin's Plan—in 1990

If the Kremlin is taking its cues from Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Eastern Ukraine is only a first step to 'rebuilding Russia.' By Robert Coalson

Ideas

Where NATO Needs to Do More—And Less

Preparing forces for Russia and the Islamic State? Yes. Missile defense and nuclear weapons? No. By Joe Cirincione

Threats

US Sends Another 350 Troops to Iraq

The State Department asked for additional U.S. troops to Iraq to beef up security around the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. By Kaveh Waddell

Threats

Obama Outlines Expanded US Troop Plan for the Baltics

President Obama wants U.S. troops to continuously rotate through Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania as a hedge against continued Russian aggression. By Marina Koren

Threats

At Last, Some Good News in the Fight Against the Islamic State

Iraqi security forces, with U.S. air support, appear to be making modest gains against the Islamic State. By Bobby Ghosh