Defense
Analysis: The U.S. Is Giving Up on Middle East Democracy—and That's a Mistake
In prioritizing security over democracy promotion, the Obama administration is failing to address the root causes of extremism in the region.
Management
White House Pushes Back on Gates
The National Security Council is hitting back against criticisms of Vice President Biden from the former Defense secretary's new memoir.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Obama's War on Income Inequality
Stephen Colbert says America still produces income disparity better than any other place.
Nextgov
NIST Paid $16,500 for Space at Now-Boycotted RSA Conference
Speakers are backing out in protest of the encryption company’s alleged deal with NSA to weaken its security products.
Defense One
The Day Bob Gates Almost Quit
Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates praises and criticizes Obama, while revealing a deep exasperation for national security politics. By Kevin Baron
Management
Controversial EPA Reg Finally to Appear in Federal Register
The rule, which will be published on Wednesday, will rein in air pollution from new power plants.
Nextgov
Why You Shouldn't Use a Laser-Equipped Gun as a Presentation Tool
Pointing lasers at airplanes (and pilots) is also a bad idea.
Management
Former Defense Secretary Bob Gates' Memoir Doesn't Make Anyone Look Good
Donald Rumsfeld's successor has penned a book that includes some sharply honest takes on his former colleagues.
Management
Lawmakers Nearing Deal on Appropriations
Negotiators have until Jan. 15 to set spending levels across government.
Management
Agencies Urged to Engage More Citizens in Government Problem-Solving
Tight budgets make crowd-sourcing through technology a must, says IBM study.
Oversight
Obama to Meet With Lawmakers on NSA Reform
Thursday's invitation-only meeting will include top critics of the administration's espionage efforts.
Pay & Benefits
OPM: D.C.-Area Feds Should Consider Leaving Office Early to Avoid Frigid Temperatures
Agencies should provide ‘workplace flexibilities’ in response to ‘polar vortex,’ OPM says.
Oversight
Senate Confirms Fed Chair—Now the Hard Part Begins
Janet Yellen will oversee the unwinding of the central bank's bond-buying program and likely its first interest-rate hike since December 2008.
Management
What TSA Left Out of the Cartoon It Made for Your Kids
It may upset them when they pass through the security checkpoint.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The Opinion-Theory Behind Global Cooling
The polar vortex hits the United States.
Management
How I Lead: Empowering the Air Force’s Executive Team
‘Combat civilian’ Veronica Hinton learned how to delegate on the front lines.
Nextgov
Costs Could Climb for $1.5 Billion Terrorist Tracking System
A planned upgrade of a DHS database at the heart of the nation's effort to thwart foreign threats keeps going back to the drawing board.
Defense One
Iraq’s Best Hope for Peace Is Replacing Maliki
The United States may have made a mess in Iraq, but Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s reign has only made things worse. By Stephanie Gaskell
Nextgov