Ideas
Transparency Can Be Bad for Liberty
The case for secrecy in a post-Snowden world. By David Frum
Threats
Snowden Asks Putin About Mass Surveillance in Russia
The NSA leaker showed up in the Russian president's annual televised Q&A session Thursday. By Matt Berman
Threats
Poland Fears Putin’s ‘New Russia’ Doctrine
Russia’s ‘brutal intervention in eastern Ukraine’ has sounded the alarm for the Polish military. By Ben Watson
Science & Tech
This App Tells Loved Ones That You're OK After a Bombing
A student living in Paris got sick of trying to contact her family back in Beirut whenever there was a bombing there. So she made an app for that. By William Brennan
Defense Systems
Marines' Networking-On-The-Move takes to the waves
The mesh networking system, used on land since 2009, passes its first tests on water.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants 'mini crypto' devices for battlefield ops
The service issues an RFP for NSA-certified modules that can be embedded in small communications devices.
Science & Tech
The Science of Unmasking Russian Forces in Ukraine
The incursion of masked gunmen into Ukraine shows that knowing who you are fighting has become critical to victory. By Patrick Tucker
Policy
Rand Paul (Sort of) Clarifies His Position on Iran
Calling it 'strategic ambiguity' ahead of the 2016 election, the Republican senator tries to explain his stance on a nuclear Iran. By Philip Bump
Threats
NATO Ramps Up Its Military Presence in Eastern Europe
NATO is stepping up reinforcements in the region as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel meets with the Polish defense minister at the Pentagon. By Ben Watson
Threats
Number of Foreign Fighters in Syria Jumped from 800 to 8,000 in the Past Year
Once a two-sided war, CENTCOM’s Gen. Austin calls today’s Syria ‘the most complex problem I’ve seen.’ By Kevin Baron
Science & Tech
Scientists Discover How to Generate Solar Power in the Dark
Meet 'photoswitches,' a breakthrough set of materials that act as their own batteries, absorbing energy and releasing it on demand. By Todd Woody
Defense Systems
Army develops smartphone system to detect chemical, biological threats
The system would allow soldiers to identify potential threats on the spot.
Defense Systems
Air Force's BATMAN team testing Google Glass
Researchers developing medical app for smartphones, tablets and Google Glass to be used by pararescue jumpers.
Defense Systems
Army missile warning system advances
BAE Systems said its Common Missile Warning System used to protect Army helicopters passed a software design review.
Science & Tech
Using Drones as Wireless Hotspots on the Battlefield
Repurposing aging surveillance drones into high-bandwidth hotspots will ensure troops have wireless access in the most remote places on earth. By Frank Konkel
Threats
Where Genocide Is Most Likely To Happen Next
One university team may have found a way to predict the world’s next genocides. By Ben Watson and Kedar Pavgi
Science & Tech
New Algorithm May Help Detect Nuclear Smuggling at Airports
Tweaking the code might be all it takes. By Diane Barnes
Ideas
Planning for Withdrawal in Afghanistan May Be Smart, But It’s Not Wise
Getting the new Afghan president to sign a troop deal will require a steady hand through the next several months of political uncertainty. By Daniel Markey
Business
Audit Warns of Problems Launching U.S. Missile Defenses in Europe
'Significant delays' will continue if the Pentagon doesn't change its current plan. By Rachel Oswald
Policy