Threats
USAID Issues Holiday Plea: Donate Cash for Philippines, as Military Withdraws
As the U.S. military mission shrinks and winter sets in, the head of USAID is urging Americans to donate money to typhoon victims in the Philippines. By Kevin Baron
Policy
USAID: Aid Groups Also Stuck Waiting for Afghan Troop Agreement
USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah says the global aid community that’s so tied to the U.S. military also is eyeing the loya jirga. By Kevin Baron
Threats
Just the Beginning: Afghanistan Troop Deal Prelude to Another Half Decade of War
This is not the end. After the security agreement, U.S. involvement in Afghanistan’s conflict is far from over. By Anthony H. Cordesman
Threats
Hagel Warns Afghanistan: Sign Troop Pact Now or Post-War Plans Halt
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says if a troop deal isn’t signed by the end of the year, the Pentagon will have to put its post-2014 planning on hold. By Kevin Baron
Policy
Despite Ongoing Talks, Reid Plans Iran Sanction Vote Next Month
While negotiations continue in Geneva, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he will hold a vote on tightening Iran sanctions after the Thanksgiving recess. By Jordain Carney
Business
How John Kerry Could End Up Outdoing Hillary Clinton
Critics say he's pompous and reckless—but his relentlessness may end up making him the most consequential secretary of state in years. By David Rohde
Policy
Karzai: No U.S. Troop Deal Before April Elections
After reaching an agreement to keep U.S. troops past 2014, Afghan President Hamid Karzai now wants to wait until April’s presidential election to sign it. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
U.S., Afghanistan Negotiators Reach a Deal on Post-2014 Security Agreement
The U.S. and Afghanistan have agreed on a deal to keep coalition troops past 2014. Now comes the hard part -- a group of Afghan elders must approve it. By Defense One Staff
Threats
Meet Pakistan's Next Gen Terrorists
The Council on Foreign Relations breaks down and explains the groups still threatening security in South Asia. By Zachary Laub
Threats
Why Additional Iran Sanctions Will Not Work
Piling on sanctions won’t bend Iran, especially without strong diplomatic engagement – which has more benefits than you realize. By Tara Maller
Threats
U.S. Considering Alternatives to Eliminate Syria's Chemical Weapons
Secretary of State John Kerry announced the search for options on Monday after Albania refused to destroy the weapons inside their country. By Global Security Newswire
Ideas
Army Right to Halt 'Extremism' Training, Protect First Amendment Rights
The Army can replace inaccurate and divisive “extremism” diversity training by teaching First Amendment freedoms. By Dena Sher and Gabe Rottman
Policy
Obama Snubs 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg Address
President Obama isn't the first to avoid commemorating the historic speech with a speech. It's that good. By George E. Condon, Jr.
Business
Pentagon Asks MIT Lab to Study Controversial Power Line
Study aims to find out whether weapons testing at White Sands Missile Range can "adapt to the presence" of the New Mexico based green-energy project. By Bob Brewin
Threats
Have U.S. Troops Overstayed Their Welcome in Afghanistan?
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has hosted U.S. troops for more than a decade, but now his hospitality is running out, putting a post-2014 deal at risk. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Chinese Military Mimics U.S., Looks to Disaster Relief to Change Perceptions
China is stepping up aid to the Philippines, mindful of something the U.S. military has long known: perceptions matter. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Now Contractors Furloughed During the Shutdown Could Receive Back Pay
Proposed legislation would allow low-wage contract workers to receive wages for the 16 days the federal government was shuttered. By Eric Katz
Threats
U.S. Keeps Patriot Missiles in Turkey Aimed at Syria
Hagel informed Turkey's foreign minister of the U.S. decision, while the Netherlands and Germany have yet to follow the Pentagon's lead. By Global Security Newswire
Threats
The Next Bin Laden
The rise of Al-Qaeda's "Clausewitz" comes at the same time the NSA is being reined in. Will Americans have to live with a surveillance state to protect themselves from this enigmatic threat? By Michael Hirsh
Policy