Ideas

The Deal is for Real

No president since Jimmy Carter has been able to make a deal with Iran. Barack Obama just did. By Joe Cirincione

Threats

Done Deal: Iran to Suspend Nuclear Program, Roll Back Weaponization

In a stunning agreement with Western powers, Iran will virtually halt its nuclear program for six months. By Kevin Baron

Business

Pentagon Outlines Stronger Military Presence in the Arctic

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the Pentagon’s new Arctic Strategy will significantly increase U.S. military resources and attention to the polar region. By Kevin Baron

Threats

WANTED: A Company Willing to Help Destroy Syria’s Chemical Weapons

Stuck with a stockpile and no place to put it, the organization in charge of destroying Syria’s chemical weapons is asking the private sector to help out. By Marina Koren

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

Science & Tech

China Says It Just Flight Tested Its New Stealth Drone

China says it just conducted the first test flight for its new stealth drone. By Kedar Pavgi

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

How to Spot the Next Edward Snowden

The FBI wants to develop a whole new science to help government agencies spot spies and whistleblowers among their ranks. By Aliya Sternstein

Ideas

Inside the Secret Interior of the Navy’s First Stealth Destroyer

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel climbed aboard the Navy’s first stealth destroyer, the Zumwalt, at Maine’s Bath Iron Works.

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

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

Science & Tech

Europe's Quest to Build an NSA-Proof Cloud

European companies want to exploit the mistrust of American tech giants in the post-Edward Snowden era to compete in this lucrative sector. By Michael Scaturro

Threats

What Keeps DIA Director Flynn Up at Night

There’s a lot to worry about when you’re the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Here’s what keeps Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn up at night. 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

Science & Tech

How to Buy Cyber Weapons From Cyber Arms Dealers

An American security firm found that a seemingly disparate group of cyberattacks came from the same source. By Leo Mirani

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