National Security Zone

Air Force Secretary: Space Force is a “Magnet” for Young People

By Sara Wilson on February 29, 2020 Space Force

The creation of the United States Space Force may end up being a boon for overall military recruitment, according to Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett. Formal recruitment for the new service has not started.

Domestic Politics Military

New bipartisan bill gives equal hazard duty incentive pay to Guard and reserve members

By Sam Cabral on February 27, 2020 army reserves, bicameral, bipartisan, hazard duty incentive pay, HDIP, kevin cramer, Military, national guard, strategic reserves

Closing pay gaps is not usually a bipartisan effort in the capital, but a bipartisan effort in both chambers of Congress could end a major pay disparity between non-active-duty and active-duty military.

Cybersecurity Russia

America’s retreating in the global war on fake news, Warner says

By Joe Snell on February 21, 2020February 21, 2020 cybersecurity, russia

Websites for gardening, cooking and Alabama football are being weaponized by the Russian Internet Research Agency to build U.S. followers and then gradually plant disinformation, according to a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

International Relations

Despite Congress’ efforts, Pompeo’s testimony not likely on change of policy in Iran

By Chiara Vercellone on February 19, 2020 Congress hearing, pompeo, Soleimani strike

In January, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo twice declined to appear before Congress to discuss U.S. policy in the Middle East, which Congress has deemed of extremely high importance.

Conflicts and Terrorism

UNESCO director-general condemns murders of Iraqi journalists, cites threats to press freedom

By Niko Boskovic on February 6, 2020February 17, 2020 conflict

Iraq must bring to justice the killers of two Dijlah TV journalists killed while covering itsongoing protests, said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Conflicts and Terrorism

Unchecked weapons sales to Saudi Arabia are a national security threat, experts warn

By Mark Satter on February 3, 2020 Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia buys more American-made weapons and military equipment than any other country, but those weapons often end up in the wrong hands and work against U.S. national security interests, experts warn.

Conflicts and Terrorism

The US should expect more attacks from Iran, experts say amid increased tensions

By Silvia Martelli on January 29, 2020January 30, 2020 Iran

The U.S. need to quickly come up with a clear strategy about Iran because more attacks will come following the recent increase in tensions between the two countries, experts said Thursday at a Foreign Affairs’ subcommittee House hearing.

Conflicts and Terrorism Cybersecurity Privacy and Civil Liberties

Congress presses Voting System CEOs on reliability of voting machines

By Piper Hudspeth Blackburn on January 28, 2020 cybersecurity, election security, national security

With less than 41 weeks until the 2020 presidential election, Congress continues to grapple with the challenge of election vulnerability.

Conflicts and Terrorism

Corruption and lying stifled U.S. reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan – Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction

By Brian Johnson on January 24, 2020 Afghan army, Afghanistan, Foreign Affairs, Military, national security, SIGAR, taliban, war against terrorism

In testimony to the House Committee Foreign Affairs, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said that efforts at reconstruction in Afghanistan have largely failed due to corruption and lying.

Conflicts and Terrorism International Relations

Iraqi violence, corruption won’t end with economic sanctions, experts say

By Chiara Vercellone on November 29, 2019 economic sanctions, Hudson Institute, Iraq protests, mike Pompeo

Economic sanctions threatened against corrupt Iraqi officials wouldn’t be enough to end the political corruption and violence in Iraq, and they aren’t what Iraqis who have staged protests against the government for nearly two months want.