Ideas

It's Time for Better Options for Rescuing US Hostages

The murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff make it clear the U.S. needs alternative ways to save its own from terrorist hostage takers. By Rep. Duncan Hunter

Defense Systems

DOD’s EHR project headed in the right direction, official says

The PEO of the Healthcare Management System says standardization is critical to a workable interoperable system.

Business

Why Obama's Mental Health Initiatives Will Leave Many Veterans Without Help

Some advocates don’t think President Obama’s efforts to help troubled veterans go far enough. By Eric Katz

Threats

Will Russia Compel NATO to Spend More on Defense?

For two decades, the U.S. has been nagging allies to pay their share of NATO costs. Now, thanks to Russia, that could change. By George E. Condon, Jr.

Threats

Obama Just Used the Most Forceful Language Against Russia Since Reagan

No U.S. president since Ronald Reagan has used such forceful language against Russia. By David Frum

Ideas

Why 'More' Is Not a Better Plan for US Defense

The NDP missed a chance to help the Pentagon develop innovative solutions to its serious challenges. By Nora Bensahel

Threats

At the NATO Summit, Afghanistan Takes a Back Seat

As the war in Iraq showed, the durability of NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan must not be overshadowed by crises in Europe or elsewhere. By Janine Davidson and Emerson Brooking

Threats

How a Famous Soviet Dissident Foreshadowed Putin's Plan—in 1990

If the Kremlin is taking its cues from Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Eastern Ukraine is only a first step to 'rebuilding Russia.' By Robert Coalson

Ideas

Where NATO Needs to Do More—And Less

Preparing forces for Russia and the Islamic State? Yes. Missile defense and nuclear weapons? No. By Joe Cirincione

Threats

US Sends Another 350 Troops to Iraq

The State Department asked for additional U.S. troops to Iraq to beef up security around the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. By Kaveh Waddell

Threats

Obama Outlines Expanded US Troop Plan for the Baltics

President Obama wants U.S. troops to continuously rotate through Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania as a hedge against continued Russian aggression. By Marina Koren

Threats

At Last, Some Good News in the Fight Against the Islamic State

Iraqi security forces, with U.S. air support, appear to be making modest gains against the Islamic State. By Bobby Ghosh

Defense Systems

'Concrete step' toward robotic satellite repairs to involve industry

DARPA looks to develop a public/private partnership to develop a craft that could inspect and repair satellites in geostationary Earth orbit.

Defense Systems

Army adds another $150M to ARL support contract

Seven companies will continue to work under the five-year deal, which now has a ceiling of $630 million.

Threats

US Strike Against Al-Shabab Leader Reflects Obama’s Counterterrorism Strategy

A targeted U.S. air strike against al-Shabab’s leader in Somalia is exactly how the Pentagon wants it to work in Africa and the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

Actual Telepathy Is One Step Closer to the Battlefield

Can you read my mind? Researchers announce first brain-to-brain communication without a surgical implant. By Patrick Tucker

Business

What to Expect From Obama's Resurgent Intel Advisory Panel

The president's Intelligence Advisory Board had only 4 members a year ago. Will the panel's 6 new appointees hit the ground running? By Aliya Sternstein

Policy

Democrats Break Ranks to Urge Military Assistance to Ukraine, Talks With Putin

Obama is off to the NATO summit amid increasing calls from his party for more direct action in Ukraine. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

Against the 24-Step Plan for Peace in Ukraine

The days when Russia and the U.S. decide 'the fate of other independent countries' are over, a group of more than 100 experts and ambassadors say. By Uri Friedman

Policy

The Summer of Obama's Caution and America's Discontent

Americans don't seem to like a hawkish president, but they definitely don't like a weak one, either. By Ron Fournier