Defense One
Just the Beginning: Afghanistan Troop Deal Prelude to Another Half Decade of War
This is not the end. After the security agreement, U.S. involvement in Afghanistan’s conflict is far from over. By Anthony H. Cordesman
Oversight
Soon, President Obama Will Pardon a Thanksgiving Turkey. Then, It Will Die.
Turkeys are not bred for living, but for eating.
Oversight
In the Aftermath of a Post-Nuclear Senate, Everyone’s Dug in Deeper
Executive branch and most judicial nominees can now be confirmed with a simple, 51-vote majority.
Oversight
Hearing on Response to Park Closures During the Shutdown Less Than Idyllic
Discussion devolves into attacks on President Obama.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Senate Go Boom, Nuclear Edition
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid detonates the nuclear option in the Senate.
Defense One
Inside the Secret Interior of the Navy’s First Stealth Destroyer
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel climbed aboard the Navy’s first stealth destroyer, the Zumwalt, at Maine’s Bath Iron Works.
News
GAO: One of the Best Places to Work in D.C.?
The agency has made one publication’s list two times in three years.
Pay & Benefits
White House Presses for TRICARE Fee Increases
Congress so far has rejected the Obama administration’s attempts to rein in the costs of the military’s health care program.
Oversight
Senate Votes to Overrule Filibusters of Executive Branch Appointees
From now on, nominees can be approved by a simple, 51-vote majority.
Pay & Benefits
Budget Office: Next Debt Ceiling D-Day Could Come in March
The government will exhaust its emergency borrowing authority between March and June 2014 if Congress does not act, report estimates.
Nextgov
How to Precognize a Snowden
Since psych evaluations violate privacy rules, the FBI might turn to a whole new science.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Want Feds to Have Socially Responsible Retirement Investment Options
Bill could conflict with TSP’s mission.
Defense
Gigantic Cargo Plane Mistakes Tiny Airport for Air Force Base
Pilots meant to land at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas; will have trouble taking off again.
Nextgov
A Closer Look at HealthCare.gov's Still-Unbuilt 30 Percent
Three missing back-end systems aren't needed until 2014 but were supposed to be done earlier.
Management
How John Kerry Could End Up Outdoing Hillary Clinton
Critics say he's pompous and reckless—but his relentlessness may end up making him the most consequential secretary of state in years.
Defense
U.S. and Afghanistan Finalize Agreement Allowing Troop Presence Through 2024
Deal involves 8,000 to 12,000 troops, mostly American.
Defense One
Karzai: No U.S. Troop Deal Before April Elections
After reaching an agreement to keep U.S. troops past 2014, Afghan President Hamid Karzai now wants to wait until April’s presidential election to sign it. By Stephanie Gaskell
Nextgov