Defense
Afghanistan is Now Officially James Mattis’ War
Donald Trump's speech on "principled realism" in Afghanistan contained few surprises. Now, under the aegis of DOD chief Mattis it is the latest stage in America’s "forever war."
Nextgov
Nations That Hack the U.S. Could Face ‘Real World’ Consequences, Homeland Security Adviser Warned
The administration wants to punish hackers in a way that "modifies behavior," Tom Bossert said.
Defense
Get Ready for a Short-Term CR, Congressional Leaders Tell Pentagon
Top House Republicans on defense say it’s not ideal — underfunding has contributed to a rash of recent accidents — but don’t expect a full-year appropriation until December.
Management
Here’s What the U.S. Could Sell South Korea and Japan to Counter North Korea
Trump doubles the allowable size of Seoul’s warheads and promises to transfer more sophisticated weapons to Asian allies.
Defense
Analysis: How Mattis May Get Himself in Trouble With Trump
The secretary of defense could run afoul of his boss if his review of the policy on transgender troops follows the facts to their conclusion.
Defense
Ordered to Ban Transgender Troops, Pentagon Plans A New Look at Three Factors
The courts will take their own look, thanks to a trio of lawsuits filed in the wake of Trump’s Friday-night memo.
Defense
The Trump Administration's Evolving Rhetoric on North Korea
From “fire and fury” to “all options are on the table”
Defense
The North Korean Threat Beyond ICBMs
Even without them, the Kim regime can menace its immediate neighborhood—or sell nuclear material to rogue states.
Defense
A 'Sonic Weapon' That Caused Diplomats in Cuba to Lose Their Hearing Also Caused Brain Injury
Some diplomats were also under heave surveillance during their tours of duty, and some had their homes broken into and their vehicles vandalized.
Defense
How James Mattis Tried to Explain Trump to the World
“Just as Mattis sought to reassure nervous allies, back home there were numerous reminders that the populist and intemperate impulses of his boss will not be tamed.”
Defense
Are ‘Restrictions’ Keeping Us From Winning in Afghanistan?
An Army intelligence expert and retired special forces warrior lay out what red tape the President should cut in Afghanistan.
Oversight
‘Believe Me:’ Trump Promises Shutdown if Congress Doesn’t Fund the Border Wall
President says wall is getting built, one way or another.
Defense
Trump’s Pivot on Afghanistan Follows Bleak Battlefield Reports
Four inspectors general describe scant progress against the Taliban.
Nextgov
Time’s Running Out to Prevent a Massive Cyberattack on Critical Infrastructure, Advisory Group Says
The report urges rapidly declassifying cyber threat information between industry and government and other measures to ease the exchange.
Defense
Will Anyone Care About Trump's Barely-Different Afghanistan War Plan?
Pull out. Stay in. Double down. It’s the military’s war until elected officials make it America’s war. And Americans won’t care by Wednesday, anyway.
Defense
What the Announced NSA / Cyber Command Split Means
Cyberwar and cyber intelligence are diverging, as are Cyber Command and the NSA. Here’s what that means for the man who leads both entities, the future of signals intelligence collection, and cyberwarfare.
Defense
Armed Militias Won’t Stop After Charlottesville, and That Worries Law Enforcement
The presence of armed, right-wing militia at political events is becoming more common.
Defense
What Should Trump Do in Afghanistan?
"It’s unfortunate that the strategy review has taken so long and now has become involved in a political debate over what America’s role in the world should be."
Nextgov