Threats
US Begins Air Strikes in Syria
A year after President Obama drew a red line over the use of chemical weapons, the U.S. military conducts air strikes in Syria. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
With National Security Emerging as a Top Issue, Candidates Adjust Strategies
In Arkansas, Democrats thought Tom Cotton's hawkishness would be a major vulnerability. Now, it's a late-breaking asset. By Alex Roarty
Threats
What To Expect from Obama's Plan To Stop Foreign Fighters
Getting the UN Security Council to agree on Obama's plan to curb transnational jihad will be the easy part. What comes after is where the real problems lie. By Stewart M. Patrick and Daniel Chardell
Threats
With a New Afghan Leader in Place, Is a US Troop Deal Next?
There’s a new president in Afghanistan. Now U.S. military leaders need his signature on a deal to allow U.S. troops to stay. By Stephanie Gaskell
Science & Tech
The Military Wants to Understand Why You Believe What You Believe
What makes an idea like the Islamic State spread? The Pentagon wants to know. By Patrick Tucker
Business
Here's How the Military Wants To Fix the Way It Buys Weapons
Defense Undersecretary Frank Kendall says the Better Buying Power 3.0 plan will keep the Pentagon from losing its technological edge. By Charles S. Clark
Ideas
If There Is ‘No Military Solution’ in Iraq, Where Is the Non-Military Solution?
Rather than reducing the motivations for joining ISIS, the U.S. military plan seems bound to add to them. By Sarah Chayes
Threats
Meet the Other Terror Group in Syria That Could Actually Threaten the US
The Khorasan group is collaborating with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni offshoot known for trying to slip bombs past airport security. By Tim Fernholz
Defense Systems
Navy's Triton UAV takes its first cross-country flight
The unmanned maritime surveillance aircraft has flown from California to Maryland for the start of operational testing.
Defense Systems
Navy looks for layered 'fishing nets' of cyber defense
ONR official also calls for more automated cyber tools that can provide proactive detection and defense.
Defense Systems
Watch: Synthetic vision to allow pilots to fly 'blind'
A DARPA video shows helicopter pilots using real-time visualizations to navigate and avoid obstacles.
Business
Review Finds Few Efficiences in the Pentagon's Joint Basing Plan
A new GAO report reveals numerous geographic and technological problems to the Pentagon's plan to consolidate 26 bases into 12 joint facilities. By Bob Brewin
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