National Security Zone

Al-Shabab terrorist group growing across Africa

By Joe Snell on November 8, 2019 Africa, Harakat Al-Shabab, tax

Islamic-inspired radical group Harakat Al-Shabab is spreading across Africa by taxing populations in the countryside and brokering deals with local government officials.

Conflicts and Terrorism Domestic Politics International Relations

Cartels and domestic terrorism are threats says security officials

By Brian Johnson on November 6, 2019 Cartel, domestic terrorism, homeland security, Mexico, national security, Senate, senate hearing

FBI director Wray and Homeland Security Under Secretary Glawe were questioned by Senators during a Senate hearing on threats to the Homeland, and Glawe denounced the brutality of cartels.

Conflicts and Terrorism Global Health and Migration International Relations

Latest SIGAR report shows increasing civilian casualties in Afghanistan

By Aishwarya Airy on November 6, 2019November 6, 2019 Afghanistan, casualties, civilian life, DOD, SIGAR, UNAMA

8,239 civilian casualties reported in Afghanistan in the first nine months of 2019- forty percent of which were women and children.

Conflicts and Terrorism International Relations

Homeland Security, FBI chiefs says ISIS still a threat

By Chiara Vercellone on November 3, 2019 dhs, FBI, international terrorism, ISIS, national security

The nation’s top security officials told the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday that ISIS is still a threat despite Trump’s statements that ISIS is “defeated 100%.”

Domestic Politics Military

#MRE2019 conference recap

By Lu Zhao on October 31, 2019October 31, 2019 army, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, Military, MRE2019, Navy, Rep. Rob Wittman, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Robert Burke

Military officials talked about Navy and Army efforts and expressed concerns of adversaries at The Military Reporters & Editors association conference.

Domestic Politics International Relations

Budget cuts in FY20 for MENA influenced by 2020 elections, says expert

By Aishwarya Airy on October 31, 2019 Egypt, FY20 budget, Gaza, Tunisia, West Bank

The proposed budget for FY20 sees a “substantial cut” in the aid for Tunisia and zeroed out assistance to West Bank and Gaza, while it seeks the same FMF request of $1.3 billion to Egypt as it has since FY87, a 2019 report said.

International Relations

Experts criticize Chinese unilateralism and militarization against Taiwan

By Bing Xiao on October 31, 2019 cross-strait relations, Taiwan

Several leading political experts spoke at George Washington University to deliberate on the emerging risks and prospects for managing cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s broader political engagement on Tuesday.

Conflicts and Terrorism Military Privacy and Civil Liberties

Record number of runners at D.C. Foley Freedom Run outshine damp weather

By Apoorva Mittal on October 25, 2019 Foley Freedom Run, James W. Foley, Rock Creek Park

The cold, heavy rain on Oct. 20 didn’t deter nearly 200 participants from joining in the fifth annual James W. Foley Freedom Run in Rock Creek Park.

Conflicts and Terrorism International Relations Military

Education not equipment key for U.S.- Arab defense relations

By Aishwarya Airy on October 24, 2019 Arabs, education, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia

U.S.-Arab experts talk about shifting focus from equipment to training foreign military in the English language in Arab regions.

Cybersecurity Domestic Politics

Falling behind in cybersecurity is “not about national pride, it’s about national security,” expert says

By HyoJung Kim on October 23, 2019 cybersecurity

Subcommittee members and experts agree that collaboration between the government and private sector is important, but further discussion is needed on how to achieve that.