National Security

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White House Names Ambassador As Acting Head Of Intelligence

7:25am February 20, 2020

by Greg Myre

President Trump named Richard Grenell, the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, to be the nation's acting top spy chief. Grenell lacks intelligence experience, and his selection is controversial.

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Trump Names Richard Grenell Acting Director Of National Intelligence

8:45pm February 19, 2020

by Greg Myre

President Trump has named Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as the new acting director of national intelligence.

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Behind The U.S.-Taliban Ceasefire Agreement In Afghanistan

4:05pm February 18, 2020

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Vikram Singh, former deputy special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a former defense negotiator. They discuss the U.S. and Taliban's ceasefire deal.

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'Russians Among Us' Author On Actual Russian Spycraft

4:05pm February 18, 2020

It's not a lost episode of The Americans — Russians Among Us dives into the very real, decades-long Russian spy campaign in the U.S. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with author Gordon Corera.

Trump Faces Deadline On Acting Director Of National Intelligence

4:05pm February 18, 2020

by Greg Myre

The acting director of national intelligence is required by law to step down by next month. Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, is said to be a contender. Where does that leave acting director Joseph Maguire?

Taliban Says It Hopes To Sign Peace Deal With U.S. By End Of February

6:26pm February 17, 2020

by Diaa Hadid

In Afghanistan, the Taliban says a peace deal with the United States will be signed by the end of the month. Its chief spokesman said this would be preceded by a period of reduced violence.

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Behind The Ransomware Attack On Palm Beach County Elections In 2016

5:26pm February 17, 2020

by Miles Parks

The security of voting systems is a central focus this year, especially following reports like one out of Florida, where Palm Beach County says it was hit by a ransomware attack in 2016.

President Trump has congratulated Attorney General William Barr for "taking charge" of the Roger Stone case.

1,100 Former DOJ Employees Call On Barr To Resign After Intervening In Stone Case

5:38pm February 16, 2020

by Bobby Allyn

William Barr's Justice Department lowered the prison sentence recommendation for Roger Stone, a longtime ally of President Trump, in a move that's led to accusations of political interference.

National

What To Expect From The Munich Security Conference

12:03pm February 15, 2020

by Rob Schmitz

The annual Munich Security Conference has been the scene of intensive talks about Afghanistan. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to address the subject in a speech today.

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U.S. And Taliban Reach 'Reduction In Violence' Deal, Setting Up Further Talks

4:52pm February 14, 2020

by Michele Kelemen

The United States has reached a deal with the Taliban to reduce violence for a week before the U.S. and the Taliban sign any deal on a U.S. troop reduction.