Policy

Ukraine Is Obama's Biggest Foreign Policy Test Yet

Forget Iran and Syria. Everything now depends on a show of diplomatic strength that will isolate Russia's Putin. By Michael Hirsh

Threats

The Strategy Behind Russia's Takeover of Crimea

Moscow has supported secessionist movements in ex-Soviet states to expand its influence in the region. Is the Crimean crisis just the latest example? By Uri Friedman

Defense Systems

SpaceX gets closer to launching military, spy satellites

The Elon Musk-led company is nearing certification that would put it into competition with Lockheed/Boeing’s ULA.

Defense Systems

Northrop’s Modular Space Vehicle gives Air Force faster satellite capability

The first open systems spacecraft bus will allow for ‘responsive space’ capabilities.

Defense Systems

Drones seen driving spectrum sharing technologies

As commercial drones share the skies with the military and law enforcement, the need for multiband spectrum operations grows.

Threats

Heading Off Russian Invasion, Kerry to Visit Ukraine on Tuesday

Calling Putin a ‘tyrant’ whose actions reflect ‘19th century behavior in the 21st century,’ Secretary of State John Kerry heads to Kiev. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

U.S. Demands Putin Pull Back from Ukraine; Security Council Meets

As thousands of Russian forces enter Ukraine, President Obama calls Vladimir Putin, insisting on a pullback and threatening global 'isolation.' By Kevin Baron

Science & Tech

The Army Wants You to Build Them a Laser Truck

The military is pushing ahead with directed energy weapons. by Patrick Tucker

Threats

U.S. Warns Russia a Ukraine Intervention Would Be a ‘Grave Mistake’

Military leaders are keeping a close eye on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Ukraine as the President Obama warns Russia not to intervene. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Will Obama End the War on Terror?

Despite President Obama's pledge to repeal the Authorization for the Use of Military Force when it expires this year, sources say negotiations to get it done haven't even begun. By Michael Hirsh and James Oliphant

Threats

Industry Needs To Do More To Protect the Power Grid From a Cyber Attack

A new paper from the Bipartisan Policy Center recommends creating an industry-led group to do more to prevent cyber attacks on the electric grid. By Aliya Sternstein

Defense Systems

Early successes pave way for more mobile in DOD’s future, CIO says

Operational mobility pilot programs have increased productivity and cut costs, says Takai.

Defense Systems

GAO to DOD, VA on electronic health records: Prove it

The departments need to show that their separate EHR efforts are better than the joint initiative they abandoned last year.

Threats

Karzai Blasts Dempsey Over ‘Zero Option’ Remarks

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says Gen. Martin Dempsey’s comments are just ‘intimidation’ to get him to sign the troop deal. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Americans Are Divided Over Military Spending

A slim plurality of Americans wants to cut military spending, according to a Gallup Poll released Thursday. By Jordain Carney

Business

The Pentagon's Plan to Fight Sequestration: Speak English

A top official says too much 'Pentagon speak' is hurting their efforts to communicate their message clearly. By Sara Sorcher

Threats

Gillibrand Links Military Sexual Assaults to PTSD and Suicide

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand opened a new dimension in the debate over military sexual assaults while continuing to apply pressure for her legislation. By Stacy Kaper

Threats

How Should the U.S. Deal With Putin?

Russia's wily president has outmaneuvered Western leaders for years. Is President Obama next? By David Rohde

Defense Systems

New Army manual combines cyber, electromagnetic operations

The field manual maps out a plan for unifying cyber operations, electronic warfare and spectrum management.

Threats

Iran Has Resumed Work at Suspicious Military Base

The Institute for Science and International Security says Iran has resumed work at a base believed by some specialists to have housed nuclear-arms studies. By Diane Barnes