Threats
A Short History of the Barbaric Terrorists of the Islamic State
How the Islamic State digressed from a Jordanian man's fantasy to an entire region's nightmare. By Bobby Ghosh
Threats
Snowden Says the NSA Shut Down Syria's Internet
In a new interview, the fugitive leaker claims the NSA inadvertently took down Syria’s Internet during its prolonged civil war. By Dustin Volz
Threats
Mission Creep? U.S. Has Nearly 1,000 Troops in Iraq Now
The Pentagon just added nearly 130 new advisors to northern Iraq, elevating the exposure of U.S. troops to the risks of violence on Iraq’s new battleground. By Ben Watson
Defense Systems
DARPA mulls system-of-systems to network maritime operations
Distributed systems could act as a force multiplier, allowing naval forces to rapidly adapt to new challenges.
Defense Systems
Air Force Academy unveils new network security major
Cadets will be able to take new courses in computer forensics and reverse software engineering, as well as political science and strategy.
Science & Tech
Inside Russia's Disinformation Campaign
Moscow is financing legions of pro-Russia Internet commenters. But how much do they matter? By Daisy Sindelar
Threats
America Has No Strategy to Stop ISIL
The adaptability of ISIL fighters in Iraq is raising serious concerns about perceptions of U.S. military power in the region. By Janine Davidson
Science & Tech
How Genes Could Predict Who Will Get PTSD
Can you predict post-traumatic stress disorder before it starts? By Patrick Tucker
Policy
U.S. Signs 25-Year Military Pact with Australia
Australia will train with U.S. troops based on its northern coast for the better part of the first half of this century. By Ben Watson
Threats
The Devolving U.S.-Russia Relationship
U.S. leaders need to talk to the Russians, not threaten them. By Jeffrey Tayler
Defense Systems
Air Force looks to get proactive on cyber defense
Cyber deception and self-repairing code are among the techniques that AFRL is looking to develop.
Defense Systems
Air Force adds Airbus to hosted payloads contract
The company will compete to host Air Force communications on commercial satellites.
Policy
7 Things You Need to Know About the Next Iraqi Prime Minister
A brief explainer on Haider al-Abidi, who was picked Monday to replace Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister of Iraq. By Kedar Pavgi
Threats
U.S. Air Strikes Are Having a Limited Effect on ISIL
After more than a dozen U.S. air strikes in northern Iraq, a top Pentagon official says ISIL is far from retreating. By Ben Watson
Threats
Navy Chief Says the Future of War Lies in 'Information Dominance'
Cyber threats and capabilities are the dominant considerations for a service entering a new era in naval warfare. By Bob Brewin
Ideas
The U.S. Needs More Drones
The threat from terrorism is changing in ways that make intelligence collection all the more important. By Paul Scharre
Policy
The 'It's About Oil' Theory in Iraq Is Still Inaccurate
The idea that the U.S. is only in the Middle East for oil may seem like a seductive idea -- but it's a deeply misguided one as well. By Steve LeVine
Threats
Obama OKs $10 Million for ‘Unforeseen Emergency’ in Africa
President Obama is sending France $10 million in military aid to bolster the fight against Islamic extremists in Mali, Niger and Chad. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
What’s Next for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit?
Fewer and less intense wars in Africa present the U.S. with an opportunity to increase accountability for human rights violations and the rule of law. But is America up to the task? By Amelia M. Wolf
Defense Systems