Threats
US Customs Officer Harasses Defense One Journalist at Dulles Airport
Repeating “You write propaganda, right?”, officer held passport until he received an affirmative answer.
Science & Tech
It's Official: The Pentagon Now Runs the Security Clearance Process
The newly renamed Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency now handles 95% of the government’s background investigations.
Ideas
It’s Really Hard to Buy Peace in Afghanistan
Western leaders looking to replace troops with targeted aid may find it counterproductive.
Ideas
Two Cheers for Esper’s Plan to Reassert Civilian Control of the Pentagon
One might believe that leaving more decisions to uniformed experts would depoliticize policy. The opposite is true.
Science & Tech
DHS Wants to Collect More Social-Media Records
The intention is to better understand people applying for entry as refugees and immigrants, but the effort would also collect information about their American friends and family members.
Ideas
‘Get a Weapon’: Advice to a Deploying Woman
That's what a veteran told me as I prepared to join U.S. forces in Baghdad. I thought he meant I needed a way to fend off the enemy.
Science & Tech
Feds, Industry Get Creative to Woo Cyber Talent
Federal officials and executives shared how they’re rethinking the credentials and experience of cyber recruits.
Ideas
Why Hong Kong Protesters Are Sawing Down Sensor-Laden Lampposts
The government confirms that the hardware could spy on citizens, but says protesters’ fears are unfounded.
Ideas
It Matters Whether Americans Call Afghanistan a Defeat
The public’s judgment about whether the United States won or lost the war will affect civilian-military relations for years to come.
Ideas
Where’s the Coverage of Civilian Casualties in the War on ISIS?
New studies reveal important gaps in coverage of this aspect of the anti-ISIS operation, largely a war of air strikes.
Ideas
The Magpies and the Cuckoos: A Disinformation Fable
The magpies have a complex and vigorous society. What happens when two conniving cuckoos come to town?
Ideas
Women are Critical to Ending Wars—and the Trump Administration Agrees
A new law should kickstart long-overdue efforts to include more women in peace and security leadership roles.
Science & Tech
Telegram: Hackers in China Disrupted Service During Hong Kong Protests
Bogus signals inundated an encrypted-messaging service that helped demonstrators coordinate, the company says.
Ideas
There’s Too Little Outcry When a Government Blocks the Internet
For its own citizens’ safety, and for grand strategy’s sake, the U.S. government needs to up the pressure.
Science & Tech
US Seeks Technology to Help Allies Avoid Bombing Civilians
Pentagon officials are looking for tools and methods that can be declassified and shared with international partners.
Ideas
Trump Signs Executive Order to Boost Federal Cyber Workforce
Initiatives include cyber aptitude assessments for agency insiders and a President’s Cup cybersecurity competition.
Ideas
Protecting Civilians Still Matters in Great-Power Conflict
It’s easy to see why counterinsurgency campaigns tread carefully around local bystanders. It’s no less important in larger-scale war.
Ideas
Bring a Measure of Justice to the End of the Afghanistan War
An Iraq War veteran reminds us of the debt owed to Afghans who helped American troops.
Ideas
Four Steps to Fix the Security Clearance Backlog
Clearance delays are hurting the aerospace industry — and national security.
Science & Tech