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
House Approves Measure To Arm and Train Syrian Rebels
Anti-Islamic State language split both parties, but now the funding bill now heads to the Senate. By Billy House
Ideas
How Retirement Threatens the Pentagon's Future Weapons
Can the Defense Department make the necessary adjustments to backfill its aging cadre of technical experts? By Rear Adm. Michael Moran and Scott O'Neil
Policy
Marco Rubio Channels Dick Cheney To Step Up His National Security Game
Sen. Rubio outlines an aggressive foreign policy platform and takes some not-so-subtle jabs at President Obama and some of his less-hawkish fellow Republicans. By Emma Roller
Threats
Air Power Alone Can't Defeat the Islamic State
Air strikes might defeat the Islamic State, but does the U.S. have the capacity to leave behind stable institutions without a massive deployment of troops and cash? By Tim Fernholz
Ideas
Africa Needs the US Military To Fight Ebola
It’s up to the international community to change its response behavior and question its own assumptions about disease containment. By Melissa Hersh
Business
VA Will Increase Pay for New Doctors, Dentists
As part of its recruitment effort to hire more healthcare professionals, new VA doctors and dentists could earn as much as $35,000 more than the current salary ranges. By Kellie Lunney
Threats
GOP Fears That ISIL Fighters Are Entering US Through Mexico Border
Despite some Republican fears, administration officials say ISIL fighters are more likely to enter the U.S. on a flight using Western passports than through Mexico. By Rebecca Nelson and Marina Koren
Policy
New Lawmakers Agonize Over Their First War Vote
For newer members of Congress, a vote to authorize training Syrian rebels will be their first time weighing military action. By Billy House
Ideas