Threats

Hagel Admits U.S. Influence in Egypt Is ‘Limited’

In his first public remarks about the violence in Egypt, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says “it will be their responsibility to sort this out.” By Kevin Baron

Threats

The Arab World Is on the Brink of Radicalizing

The violence in Egypt only underlines the threat faced by governments being overrun by religious extremism. By Michael Hirsh

Ideas

What the NSA’s Massive Org Chart (Probably) Looks Like

Amid public cries for greater transparency into the intelligence world, here’s a look at the National Security Agency’s organizational chart -- as far as we know it. By Marc Ambinder

Policy

Egypt's Military Cracks Down on Protesters

The army began breaking up protests staged by supporters of former President Mohammad Morsi. Unconfirmed reports from Cairo are suggesting a high death toll so far. By Dashiell Bennett

Ideas

Forget the Second Carrier, It's Time to Rethink the Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf

It’s not the size of the fleet, it’s how you use it, and PC ships are smaller, more agile and better for Mideast allies. By Bilal Y. Saab and Joseph Singh

Ideas

The Filmmaker Behind the Edward Snowden Leaks

A new <em>New York Times</em> magazine profile describes how far Laura Poitras has gone to protect her privacy, while also reporting on the government's surveillance programs. By Philip Bump

Ideas

Obama's Embassy Closures Just 'Free Advertising' for Al Qaeda

Obama's disjointed response to terrorism has left the U.S. in a 'defensive crouch'. Closing embassies so far from Yemen, however, was little more than 'free advertising' for Al Qaeda. By Joshua Foust

Policy

With Summit’s Collapse, Now Russia is Kerry and Hagel’s Problem

As Obama and Putin 'take a pause' in their relationship, Kerry and Hagel huddle with their Russian counterparts in Washington to tackle the growing tension between the two nations. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Obama: 'We've Struck the Right Balance' on Spying

President Obama announces four major reforms to strengthen oversight of government spying programs. By Matt Berman and Brian Resnick

Threats

U.S. Pulls Staff from Consulate in Pakistan

Following the closing of nearly more than a dozen embassies, the U.S. pulls non-emergency staff from a consulate in Pakistan. By Defense One Staff

Policy

Iran: U.S. Is Sending Mixed Messages on Sanctions

Iran's new president says he's still open to negotiations with the Obama administration. By Golnaz Esfandiari

Policy

China Declares Russia the Winner in Snowden Showdown

The growing alliance between China and Russia is the stuff of American diplomatic nightmares. By Heather Timmons

Ideas

Gen. Amos on Reinventing the Marines, Owning Sequester and Why COIN Is More Relevant Than Ever

The Marine Commandant talks about the future of warfare and how budget cuts are here to stay. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

Overcoming Snowden: New Urgency for Friday’s U.S.-Russia Meeting

It’s no surprise Obama cancelled his September summit with Putin. Now it’s time for Chuck Hagel and John Kerry to weigh in on nuclear weapons. By Joe Cirincione

Threats

Top U.S. Marine Amos on Yemen: ‘I Don’t Know How It’s Going to Turn Out’

In an exclusive interview, Marine Corps Gen. James Amos said he is concerned Yemen is becoming 'a breeding ground' for al Qaeda -- and he doesn’t know what to expect next. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Russia Hasn't Gotten Over the Cold War

Moscow still thinks its 1989, and its showing. By Michael Hirsh

Ideas

A Big New Idea for U.S.-Pakistan Relations

After a cooling off period, the Obama administration put Pakistan back on the agenda last week promising new talks. It would help if the administration came prepared with something new to discuss. By Daniel Markey

Science & Tech

China's Military Hackers Are Trying to Break into America's Infrastructure

Systems at power plants and water facilities especially vulnerable to infiltration. By Gwynn Guilford

Threats

Will Banning Plastic Toy Guns in Pakistan Stop Future Militants?

Some campaigners want to stop a violent culture from being formed at the youngest ages. By Abubakar Siddique

Threats

Interview with Ryan Crocker: Assad will Prevail 'Yard by Bloody Yard'

America’s premier diplomat would intervene in Syria if President Obama asked, even though it probably wouldn’t do much good. By Stephanie Gaskell