Policy
On Terrorism, Obama's Break from Bush-Era Thinking Unsettles GOP
Republicans believe defeating ISIS requires some dramatic, if vaguely defined, new military and ideological battle. Obama, by contrast, thinks America simply needs to not screw up.
Ideas
A Call To Service Can Help Unite A Divided Nation
What can you do for your country? For starters, tell Congress to support national service.
Policy
On the Campaign Trail in New Hampshire with ‘Two Amigos’ Lindsey Graham and John McCain
The longtime national security leaders and besties talk ISIS, the GOP presidential field, and the first time they met with Defense One.
Ideas
Give Thanks for the OSS
As today’s security depends increasingly on intelligence and special operators, Congress should act to honor those who paved their way.
Policy
‘After Paris,’ Graham and McCain See a Whole New 2016 Race
Lindsey Graham, stumping with his friend John McCain, believes recent attacks will boost his quixotic quest for the White House.
Ideas
It's Past Time for Congress to Debate the War on ISIS
The Korean War demonstrates the risks of continued escalation in the Middle East without congressional approval.
Policy
Syrian Refugees Caught Between Political Rhetoric and Reality After Paris
Fear mongering may be 2016 politics, but it denies reality: Syrians seeking refuge in the U.S. undergo some of the strictest scrutiny in the world.
Ideas
A Horrible Day for American Leadership
In response to terror, a petulant president and a xenophobic GOP presidential field.
Policy
Pentagon Transfers 5 Guantanamo Detainees to the UAE as Battle Over Closure Heats Up
Days ahead of signing a legislative freeze on Guantanamo into law, the president defiantly moves five from Cuba.
Business
Fate of Pentagon War Budget Left to Obama’s Successor
The Obama administration will submit its final budget to Congress in February, a spending plan that will include tens of billions of dollars for a 15-year-old war in Afghanistan and a new war against ISIS.
Business
The Pentagon's Afghan 'Slush Fund' Will Now Have to Answer to Angry Lawmakers
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has given the DOD 48 hours to turn over its files on a controversial task force that may have misspent millions in Afghanistan.
Policy
Fate of Defense Authorization Bill Looks Favorable Second Time Around
The Senate overwhelmingly passed the NDAA, sending it to Obama’s desk, where he’s expected to sign it into law.
Policy
White House Won’t Rule Out Vetoing Defense Authorization Bill (Again) Over Guantanamo
New NDAA, same old showdown over Guantanamo.
Defense Systems
The future of ISR is unmanned, whether commanders like it or not
Air Force officials see the U-2 and Global Hawk as complementary, but they’ll soon have to do without one of them.
Science & Tech
The Latest Cybersecurity Bill Will Only Confuse Internet Providers Like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast
Lawmakers could possibly save years of court battles over allegations of mass surveillance if they nail down a few key definitions in a pending bill before a House committee.
Policy
Budget Deal Is A Big Win for Pentagon
Even though it’s only a two-year agreement, the budget deal passed by Congress and the White House will get the Pentagon past the worst of the spending caps.
Policy
A Weakened Bush Swings at Rubio; Rising Rubio Aims at Clinton
Jeb goes negative, along with his poll numbers, awkwardly aiming at Rubio's absent Senate record.
Science & Tech
Senate Passes Cyber Bill, Ducking Privacy Fears for Now
After months of negotiation, a cybersecurity bill to bolster defenses after a series of high-profile hacks moves closer to the president’s desk.
Ideas