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

Defense Employees Favored Carson, at Least Until West Point Flap

A survey of U.S. defense workers showed favoritism for the current GOP 2016 frontrunner, but that was before one of his biggest gaffes yet.

Policy

George H.W. Bush Settles Old Scores With Cheney and Rumsfeld

The 41st president’s comments criticizing two of his son’s closest advisers on the Iraq war are rooted in tensions dating back to the Ford administration.

Policy

White House Won’t Rule Out Vetoing Defense Authorization Bill (Again) Over Guantanamo

New NDAA, same old showdown over Guantanamo.

Business

Here’s Obama’s IT Security To-Do List For Preventing the Next OPM Hack

An ambitious long-term framework to strengthen federal cybersecurity brings a waterfall of near-term deadlines for agency officials carrying out the new plan.

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.

Threats

Bye-Bye ‘No Boots on the Ground’: US to Send Special Ops Troops to Syria

After months of looking at new options, the White House will send in ground forces.

Threats

Obama Vetoes Defense Policy Bill; Now What?

A partisan proxy war escalates as Obama fulfills his vow to send the annual defense policy bill back to lawmakers.

Business

Obama Vetoes Bill Affecting Troop Pay and Benefits

The legislation includes a 1.3 percent pay raise in 2016 for service members and changes to the military retirement system.

Policy

America’s Longest War Just Got Longer: Obama Extends Afghanistan Mission

Obama halts Afghanistan withdrawal with plans to keep 9,800 troops there through 2016.

Policy

Lawmakers' Defense Spending Agreement Ignores Obama on War Fund, Guantanamo

House and Senate members agreed to military personnel and acquisition reforms, yet set up a showdown over the offshore prison and wartime supplemental funding.

Ideas

Obama Needs an ISIS War Czar Before It’s Too Late

Obama’s ISIS fight looks more like Iraq in 2003 than in 2007, when military and civilian leaders were synced hip-to-hip.

Ideas

Why Xi Won’t Get What China Wants Most When He Meets Obama

The next summit is unlikely to give China the outcomes it wants most, because what it wants the United States is not prepared to give.

Policy

White House Delays Plan to Close Guantanamo Amid Search for US Alternative

As weeks slip away, Pentagon officials say they’re only on ‘step one’ of a crucial survey of alternate locations for the detainees.

Ideas

10 Responses to Iran-Deal Skeptics

The top lobbyist for the agreement, along with John Kerry’s former chief of staff, tackle a prominent critic’s questions for President Obama.

Policy

Here's How the Supreme Court Could Make Congress Own the War on ISIS

The Court has wisely left it to the political branches to work out their inter-branch conflicts over foreign policy. But decisions over war and peace are special case scenarios.

Policy

One Year into the War That Congress Won't Declare

What if U.S. lawmakers don’t accept their duty to oversee the U.S. campaign in Iraq and Syria?

Ideas

Why Can’t Obama Get His Defense Secretary To Release This Guantanamo Prisoner?

The Pentagon, not Congress, is blocking the release of 75-pound prisoner Tariq Ba Odah, six years after he was cleared to go. Where is the president?

Policy

Congressional Democrats Not Yet Sold On Iran Deal

Public skepticism of the agreement may trump political loyalty — not to mention its merits or failings.

Defense Systems

State vs. non-state hackers: Different tactics, equal threat?

Recent cyber incidents from state and non-state actors demonstrate the real threat each pose and shed light on the difference in tactics.