Ideas
When War Zones Become Travel Destinations
'People come here every day to see the show,' says one tourism agent who brings spectators to the Syrian border. By Debra Kamin
Policy
House GOP Prepares Its Own Border Plan
All that's known so far is it will be cheaper than the president's $3.7 billion plan, and will include U.S. National Guard troops. By Billy House
Threats
Iron Dome—Savior, or Sales Job?
A brief comparison of some of the ways Western media outlets have portrayed Israel's high-profile anti-rocket system. By James Fallows
Policy
Senate Defense Bill Doubles Obama’s Request for Israel’s Iron Dome
As rockets fly over Israel and Gaza, Congress is doubling its spending on Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. By Molly O’Toole
Science & Tech
Could a Brain Scan Protect U.S. Troops from Insider Attacks?
U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan often don’t know who to trust. Brain scans to the rescue? By Patrick Tucker
Business
The VA Scandal Just Keeps Spreading
Add hidden documents, improperly-processed disability claims, and at least six new offices under scrutiny to the already long list of problems facing the Department of Veterans Affairs. By Jordain Carney
Ideas
British Ambassador to Speak On NATO and the Changing Face of Transatlantic Security
Join us as Defense One hosts an address and live conversation with British Amb. Peter Westmacott on NATO and Transatlantic Security. By Kevin Baron
Science & Tech
SpaceX Just Cleared a Key Hurdle on Its Way to Bidding for Air Force Contracts
Elon Musk's company proved for the 10th time it can launch satellites into space. But will that be enough to earn it a shot at nearly $70 billion in Air Force contracts? By Tim Fernholz
Threats
The Russian Double Game Continues in Ukraine
Despite a pubic pledge to help de-escalate tensions, Vladimir Putin's unwillingness or inability to stop Russian weapons from flowing into the hands of separatists is only prolonging an already very deadly crisis. By David Rohde
Defense Systems
Top 20 defense contractors, 2014
Defense companies dominate Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of federal contractors.
Defense Systems
Air Force mulls secretive sensor research center
The SIRCUS program would investigate how to measure sensor exploitation performance and sensor development, and require up to Secret-level clearances for contractors.
Business
The Air Force Is Offering Separation Incentives to Thousands of Civilians
But the reductions will still only save the Air Force a small fraction of the $50 billion required by the 2011 Budget Control Act. By Eric Katz
Policy
What Would Reagan Do In Iraq?
Rand Paul and Rick Perry each claim to be the Gipper’s heir in the Middle East. Who's right? By Peter Beinart
Science & Tech
Simulating War Might Be the Best Way To Prevent One
Virtual reality training is about to get a lot better and more competitive. But is it falling out of favor? By Patrick Tucker
Business
The VA Paid More Than $40 Million in Improper Claims Last Year
For 2 months in 2013, the Veterans Benefits Administration hurried to eliminate its disability claim backlog. That rush resulted in many costly mistakes. By Bob Brewin
Threats
Why Hamas Chooses Rockets Over Nation Building
With the prospects for a two-state solution looking hopelessly dim, what does Hamas stand to gain by firing rockets at the civilians of its militarily powerful neighbor? By Jeffery Goldberg
Ideas
The One Thing the U.S. Can't Train the Iraqi Army To Do
The U.S. has trained the Iraqi military for years. But there’s one thing you can’t teach an army to do. By Lt. Gen. Robert Gard
Policy
Rand Paul vs. Rick Perry: The GOP’s Battle for the Future of National Security
The bluster between Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Rand Paul is just smoke for the fire that is the GOP’s identity crisis. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
What Stands in the Way of the Pentagon Keeping Its Best and Brightest?
The Defense Department's impending force drawdown could accelerate the departure of some of its best personnel. Here are a few ideas on how to keep that from happening. By Amy Schafer
Defense Systems