Threats

U.S. Escalates Iraq Campaign With Barrage of Weekend Strikes for Mosul Dam

American jets, bombers and drones helped the Peshmerga wrestle back control of Iraq's largest dam from Islamic militants. Kurds say the Ninevah plains are next. By Ben Watson

Business

New VA Chief Vows 'Patience' and 'Respect' When Firing Executives

Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald says quick action is needed to lose the department's bad apples, but due process must be a component. By Eric Katz

Threats

The Pentagon Wants You to Help Them Find the Next Pandemic

Handy with statistics? Hate emergent, viral infections? The military has a job for you. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

Will Predictive Policing Make Militarized Police More Dangerous?

The China-fication of the American police force is a cause for concern. By Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

New hacking scenario emerges: Wi-Fi signal-sniffing drones

Security analysts are increasingly concerned about camera-carrying drones that could also be used to breach wireless networks.

Defense Systems

Aussie air force kicks in on P-8A spy planes

A $295 million DOD contract includes funding toward four maritime surveillance planes for Australia

Policy

Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki Agrees To Step Down

The writing was on the wall and embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki knew it. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Australia Joins Assistance Mission for Remaining 4,000 Iraqi Refugees

Cargo planes from the U.S., U.K. and now Australia are all taking turns keeping alive the remaining Iraqi civilians isolated on a mountaintop. By Bob Brewin

Threats

Obama Says Situation in Northern Iraq Now 'Greatly Improved'

While thousands of refugees are now safe, the larger concern about the rest of Iraq's security remains a dire and open question. By Matt Berman

Threats

In Search of America's 'Organizing Principle'

Sometimes an ad-hoc foreign policy gets the best results. By Noah Gordon

Policy

How Congress and the Pentagon Helped Create America’s Militarized Police

It all goes back to an obscure section from a 1990 defense bill. By Emma Roller

Business

Police in Ferguson May Have the Look But They Lack the Tactics of Soldiers

U.S. veterans are pointing out they patrolled Iraq, Bosnia and South America with less equipment and weaponry than police in Ferguson. By David Yanofsky

Science & Tech

Edward Snowden Is Concerned About 'NSA Fatigue'

The poster child for NSA reform fears surveillance fatigue is leading to a culture of complacency across the globe. By Dustin Volz

Ideas

How Money Warps U.S. Foreign Policy

America's foreign policy is more elitist and insulated from public opinion than it has been in decades. And that’s a real problem for American democracy. By Peter Beinart

Threats

Nouri al-Maliki’s Tenure as Iraq’s Prime Minister in 5 Charts

Iraq's recent rise in violence against civilians bookends the outgoing prime minister’s time in charge. By Jason Karaian

Defense Systems

Army lab to provide software analysis for Joint Strike Fighter

ARMDEC will independently double-check the F-35’s software systems for safety, airworthiness.

Science & Tech

The Public Will Soon Be Able to Buy Military-Grade Satellite Images

The view from space is about to get a lot clearer for the public. And that’s a good thing for the military. By Patrick Tucker

Business

Civilians in Iraq to Get Higher Premium Pay

U.S. civilians working on stabilization efforts in Iraq can now earn more for overtime, nights and weekend work through the end of the year. By Kellie Lunney

Ideas

Is Peace in Gaza Unrealistic?

The violence in Gaza has only empowered radicals. By Mohammad S. Dajani Daoudi

Threats

The Ancient Roots of the Yazidis, and Why ISIL Wants Them Dead

A look at the difficult history of the religious minority Obama authorized American troops and airstrikes to protect. By Emma Green