Threats

How The Army's Next Pistol Will End Up in a Gun Shop Near You

After more than 30 years, the Army will open its competition for a new standard-issue handgun. Here's how those old Beretta M9s could migrate to the streets. By Matt Valentine

Policy

Senate Thinks It May Have the NSA Reform Bill Everyone Can Agree On

Uniting the White House, tech companies, and privacy groups has proven nearly impossible so far. Will the Senate's latest attempt this week be any different? By Dustin Volz

Policy

Senate Panel's 1 Percent Troop, Civilian Pay Raise Now Faces House Hurdles

A more modest pay raise for troops and defense civilians looks safe in the Democratic-controlled Senate. But how will it fare in the Republican-controlled House? By Kellie Lunney

Threats

Why Benjamin Netanyahu Should Be Very, Very Worried

Israel's future looks more vulnerable than at any point in the 21st century as demographic and social trends are complicating perceptions of the Gaza offensive. By Ron Fournier

Policy

House, Senate Committee Reaches Compromise to Reform the VA

Just days before the August recess, a conference committee reached a deal to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs with a breakthrough $17 billion bill. By Molly O’Toole

Defense Systems

Air Force takes $495M step toward hosted payloads for satellites

The service awards a contract to 14 companies with a plan for fast, flexible satellite operations.

Defense Systems

DARPA moves ahead on protecting military wireless networks

The Wireless Network Defense program looks to lay the foundation for the next generation of wireless systems.

Policy

Why Is Israel Losing a War It's Winning?

Five reasons why Israel is losing the battle of perception over its Gaza offensive, even as it wins the battle against rockets and tunnels. By Jeffrey Goldberg

Threats

U.S. Evacuates Embassy in Libya

Ongoing violence between Libyan militias forced the State Department to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli on Saturday. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

The Number of Foreign Fighters in Syria Now Exceeds 12,000 and Rising

Syria is now the ‘predominant battleground for extremists‘ plotting Western attacks as foreign fighters increase 50 percent since April, says U.S. counterterrorism director. By Kevin Baron

Threats

Why India and China Matter to America's Afghanistan Drawdown Plan

How New Delhi and Beijing plan to cope with an increasingly independent Afghanistan. By Daniel Markey

Ideas

Guantanamo's New Purgatory

If the Periodic Review Boards are to ever meaningfully review Guantanamo detainees' detention, they must address these issues of delay, transparency, and legitimacy. By Zak Newman

Threats

What Would the National Guard Actually Do at the Border?

How troops deployed to America's border with Mexico might elude the usual characterizations of 'militarizing' a region. By James Oliphant and Rachel Roubein

Ideas

Weather and War: A Perfect Storm

Three recent airline tragedies turned the world’s spotlight on collateral damage’s innocent victims—changing the idea of international security into one of personal security as well. By Tara Sonenshine

Defense Systems

9/11 Commission: History could repeat in cyber realm

Ten years after their report, the authors warn of complacency in the face of a growing threat from state actors.

Defense Systems

MDA wants to upgrade anti-counterfeiting plant DNA process

Applied DNA Sciences uses botanical DNA to provide authentication and protect the DOD supply chain from bogus electronics.

Defense Systems

DOD falls short in measuring SBIR effectiveness, GAO says

The program has successfully transitioned technologies, but more data could improve acquisitions processes, according to the report.

Science & Tech

The CIA Fears the Internet of Things

The battleground of tomorrow is everywhere at once. By Patrick Tucker

Policy

Central American Leaders Push Obama, Congress for Security Assistance

Amid political paralysis over border security in Congress, the White House and DOD are forging ahead with Central American counterparts to address the crisis. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

Inside the U.S. Push to Keep Kurdish Oil Under Baghdad's Watch

American diplomatic muscle has kept 1 million barrels of Kurdistan's oil stuck at sea. But will it last? By Steve LeVine