National Security

National

Intelligence Heads Provide Update On Threats Facing U.S.

7:59pm February 09, 2016

by Mary Louise Kelly

The heads of America's top intelligence agencies — including the CIA, FBI and NSA — gave their latest update on the nature of threats facing the U.S. on Tuesday, from ISIS to Russia to China and others. NPR has the latest on what America's spymasters call the biggest dangers of the moment.

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President Obama meets at the White House on Tuesday with members of his national security team and cybersecurity advisers.

Password Security Is So Bad, President Obama Weighs In

5:35pm February 09, 2016

by Aarti Shahani

In unveiling a sweeping plan to fund and revamp cybersecurity, the president asks citizens to consider using extra layers of security besides the password.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testifies Tuesday before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on worldwide threats.

Key Moments From The U.S. Spy Chief's Annual 'Litany Of Doom'

3:30pm February 09, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, National Intelligence Director James Clapper says "unpredictable instability has become the new normal."

U.S. Charges Widow Of ISIS Leader In Death Of American Kayla Mueller

7:11pm February 08, 2016

by Laura Wagner

Mueller was an aid worker in Syria when she was taken hostage in 2013. Her death was confirmed in February 2015. The woman charged in Mueller's captivity is in Iraqi custody.

Why The U.S. Still Has No Viable Alternatives To Russian Rocket Boosters

9:14am February 08, 2016

by David Welna

When it comes to launching top-secret military satellites, the Pentagon relies almost entirely on rocket engines made in Russia. The U.S. has been using Russian rocket boosters for the past 2 decades.

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U.S. Presence In Eastern Europe Is Vital, Commanding General Says

10:44am February 05, 2016

To try to deter Russia, President Obama plans to substantially increase heavy weapons deployment in Europe. Renee Montagne talks to Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, the commanding U.S. Army general in Europe.

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Pentagon Launches Pilot Program For Military Women

7:45pm February 04, 2016

by Tom Bowman

The Pentagon is launching a pilot program to freeze troops' sperm or eggs as part of widespread reforms to personnel policies across the force. Defense Secretary Ash Carter says he wants the military to be more family friendly and able to compete for the best talent with private sector employers like those in the world of tech.

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National

Julian Assange Says He Will Surrender If U.N. Panel Rules Against Him

12:04pm February 04, 2016

by Marie Andrusewicz

The WikiLeaks founder took refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London in 2012. Assange faces an allegation of rape in Sweden and an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Thousands Of Foreign Fighters Still Join ISIS Despite Visible Defeats

3:52pm February 03, 2016

by Dina Temple-Raston

ISIS has lost a lot of territory but that hasn't translated into a loss of supporters. The reason: the group has convinced its followers that defeat is part of a larger plan.

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President Obama participates in a roundtable discussion with members of the Muslim community Wednesday while visiting the Islamic Society of Baltimore in Windsor Mill, Md.

Obama Visits Mosque In U.S. For First Time During His Presidency

1:38pm February 03, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The president's visit, which will also include a roundtable with Muslim community members, is intended to "reaffirm the importance of religious freedom" to life in America, the White House says.