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
Border Corruption Is Costing the Afghan Government Millions
The U.S. has spent nearly $200 million since 2009 to help Afghanistan fight corruption on its borders. It’s not working. By Charles S. Clark
Defense Systems
Next generation of high-tech destroyers takes to the seas
The newly christened USS Zumwalt has a smaller crew, stealthy design, electric propulsion and an advanced electro-optical and infrared suite.
Defense Systems
DARPA calls for new cutting-edge technologies
Tactical Technology Office to focus on systems engineering, manned/unmanned teaming and autonomous systems.
Defense Systems
Army plans its largest solar array to date
The system at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., will supply 25 percent of the base’s electricity needs.
Threats
Here’s a Map of the World’s Fastest Growing Militaries
Twenty-three nations have doubled their defense spending in the past decade. By Ben Watson and Kedar Pavgi
Ideas
War, What Is It Good for For? These Four Things, Actually
Contrary to what the song says, war has been good for some things. By Ian Morris
Threats
Russia's Secret Weapon Against the West
Russia has an advantage it can use against the West -- and it's not oil, gas or nukes. By Jason Karaian
Policy