Ideas

U.S. Power and the Future of Arab Democracy

From the Aspen Ideas Festival, how can we get to a political solution in the Middle East without the credible use of force? By J.J. Gould

Threats

Putin Is Ignoring Kerry's Warning on Ukraine

Secretary of State Kerry warned Moscow to pull back from Ukraine 'within hours' -- that was 5 days ago. By Marina Koren

Threats

Libya Is Stumbling Toward Civil War

Despite the deteriorating situation, the U.S. is unlikely to get involved in Libya again anytime soon. By Kaveh Waddell

Defense Systems

Even in communications exercises, the cyberattacks are real

The Army-run JUICE, in which military, civilian and international components test joint emergency response, also draws the attention of hackers.

Defense Systems

DARPA wants more efficient, jam-resistant RF communications

The HERMES program is looking to develop new technologies to deal with malicious jamming and an increasingly congested electromagnetic spectrum.

Threats

Obama Sends Another 300 U.S. Troops to Iraq

Increasingly worried about the unraveling security situation in Iraq, President Obama puts more boots on the ground. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

The Four Biggest Challenges Facing the New VA Secretary

The Department of Veterans Affairs needs badly to win back the public's trust. Here are a few ways the incoming boss can prepare for what lies ahead. By Jordain Carney

Ideas

Taking the Long View on Iraq

Three experts at the Aspen Ideas Festival discuss why it may take decades before the Middle East stabilizes from the current crisis in Iraq. By Uri Friedman

Threats

Obama’s Going To Have To Get His Hands Dirty To Save Iraq

For a president who has made winding down conflicts a key element of his foreign policy, Obama may have to choose an uncomfortable way forward to help stabilize Iraq. By James Oliphant

Science & Tech

Brain Drain Is Threatening the Future of U.S. Robotics

Advances in robotics and automated warfare have outpaced U.S. regulatory mechanisms. But a much bigger problem threatens the future of robotics in America's defense: the brain drain to the private sector. By Megan Garber

Policy

What Stands in the Way of an Independent Kurdistan?

Iraq's northeastern Kurdish region is anxious to assert its independence and protect key cities while provinces around it descend into sectarian chaos. But Kurdish leaders may be trying to do too much too soon. By Steven A. Cook

Defense Systems

NRL reports a breakthrough in 'quantum dots'

Researchers' ability to create the dots with single-atom precision holds promise for fields from photonic to quantum computing.

Defense Systems

Navy looks to cash in on 3D printing at sea

Additive manufacturing could rapidly print replacement parts or supplies for Navy ships, lowering logistical costs.

Defense Systems

Navy awards $35M contract to boost C4ISR info sharing

Lockheed Martin is to improve the way Navy sensors will collect, share and display data.

Policy

Senate Politics Leave 28 Countries With No U.S. Ambassador

Nominations for U.S. ambassadors are gathering dust as partisan posturing holds up their Senate confirmation. Never mind that the world’s on fire. By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

Dick Cheney and the Bush Doctrine

The former vice president rejected democracy-promotion in the Middle East. And today's conservatives agree with him. By Peter Beinart

Business

Senior Executives Are Increasingly Leaving the Government

The federal government’s senior executives are leaving the civil service, creating the possibility for a shortage of qualified top managers. By Eric Katz

Ideas

How Nonviolent Action Could Thwart ISIL’s Advance in Iraq

ISIL fighters are making gains in Iraq. But this does not mean that their violence is decisive. By Maria J. Stephan

Ideas

The Navy's Floating Prisons

The U.S. Navy has taken on a curious new counterterrorism role. By Marisa Porges

Ideas

A Good Step Toward Ending Landmines

President Obama announced that the United States will no longer make or buy landmines. This is good, but he can do more to end this deadly scourge. By Joe Cirincione