Security News
The Daily Signal covers the latest threats, from cyber to national defense, and examines policies designed to protect American communities.
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National Security Problems Aren’t Caused by Climate
Earlier this month, the Obama administration released its latest blast on climate change: A cut-and-paste job from its own reports proclaiming that climate change has serious national security implications. This is embarrassingly shoddy stuff. But it’s shoddy for a reason. Now, nothing says credibility like a pile of old federal reports. But these reports do…Ted Bromund -
Obama’s Dangerous Thinking About Climate Change and National Security
The White House has released a new report entitled “The National Security Implications of a Changing Climate,” essentially a summary of the administration’s view that climate change is a primary threat to the nation’s security. President Obama made the issue a central feature of his commencement speech at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. “Climate change…Dakota Wood -
How the Iran Deal Could Dangerously Undermine Our National Security
The emerging nuclear deal with Iran has numerous flaws that could dangerously undermine U.S. national security. It lets Iran maintain a huge nuclear infrastructure that already far exceeds legitimate civilian needs. That includes illicit nuclear facilities, built in violation of Iran’s nuclear nonproliferation commitments. Particularly worrisome are provisions allowing Tehran to continue using uranium enrichment…James Phillips -
Marco Rubio Talks Tough on Border Security: ‘No Right to Illegally Immigrate’
Sen. Marco Rubio, ceding no ground to other Republican presidential candidates on tough immigration reforms, this morning said he has “a problem” with interest groups that claim illegal immigrants have a right to stay in America and become citizens. It’s one thing to appeal to the nation’s future or even morality, the Florida Republican said,…Ken McIntyre -
How Your Airplane’s Wi-Fi Network Could Pose a Security Risk
Modern, Internet-enabled aircraft may be susceptible to hacking, according to a new government report. “Modern aircraft are increasingly connected to the Internet,” warns the Government Accountability Office report. “This interconnectedness can potentially provide unauthorized remote access to aircraft avionics systems.” Much like your own computer, if a plane’s Internet-connected safety systems aren’t protected by firewalls,…Kate Scanlon -
Scott Walker Lands Former Senator as National Security Expert for 2016 Race
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has added one of Washington’s leading advocates of military readiness to the ranks of advisers helping prepare him for a likely campaign for president. Jim Talent, who represented Missouri in both the House and Senate before becoming a fellow at The Heritage Foundation, confirmed Thursday that he has joined Walker’s budding…Ken McIntyre -
Experts Are Unanimous: Visa Waiver Program Is Good for National Security
During Tuesday’s House Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security hearing, experts agreed that the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is beneficial both for the economy and national security. Due to continued concern over the threat of foreign fighters returning home to stage attacks on the U.S. and allied countries’ homeland, the effectiveness of the Visa Waiver…Riley Walters -
Further Defense Cuts Will Harm National Security
On February 11, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing with four think tanks to explore possible alternatives for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 congressional budget. Although different views abounded, all agreed on one thing: The sequestered discretionary caps instituted by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) severely damage national security. As Congress…Mark Febrizio -
As US Grapples With Global Threats, This Is How We Should Approach National Security
In one of his first actions as secretary of defense, Ashton Carter met over the weekend with top U.S. officials to determine a path forward in the fight against ISIS. While threats have clearly grown, the president has sought to shrink military capability. This radical Islamic group has increasingly shown the gruesome lengths it is…Brian Slattery -
Obama’s National Security Strategy Favors Wishful Thinking Over Reality
Do more with less. That is the theme of the 2015 National Security Strategy President Obama released last Friday. The president’s vision for American diplomatic and military engagement naively envisages an America capable of responding to a growing list of threats with shrinking forces. The Obama administration consistently has argued this approach is realistic. But…Max Meizlish -
Not Much Security in Obama’s National Security Strategy
Today, the Obama Administration released its new National Security Strategy (NSS), replacing its predecessor that was issued in May 2010. As the top national-level document framing the president’s approach to national security, it must necessarily address the range of issues that affect the United States’ core interests, to include economic, foreign policy, and physical security…Dakota Wood -
Obama’s National Security Strategy Is Weak and Underwhelming
President Obama’s new national security strategy will do little to reassure America’s allies or intimidate America’s enemies. Today, the White House unveiled a document poorly suited to the challenges faced by the world’s superpower, which are mounting in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. At a time when American global leadership is increasingly being…Nile Gardiner -
DHS’s Focus on Amnesty a Greater Threat to Security than Budget Impasse
Recently, a variety of policymakers and pundits have warned that failing to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) because of the President’s executive action on immigration would have a negative impact on U.S. security. Congress has been warned repeatedly not to treat our security as a “political volleyball.” DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, invoking the…David Inserra -
Higher Security Costs at Super Bowl XLIX will Leave Glendale in Debt, Says Mayor
The mayor of Glendale, Ariz., is not optimistic about his city’s financial prospects after hosting Super Bowl XLIX. “I totally believe we will lose money on this,” Mayor Jerry Weiers told ESPN. Weiers said that Glendale was left in debt after hosting Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium in 2008. According to ESPN,…Kate Scanlon -
Where You Can Learn About the (True) State of the Union on National Security
“Mama” may well be the first word out of a newborn politician’s mouth. But the first full sentence is likely to be “It is time to put politics aside.” What comes after that is, inevitably, pure politics. The State of the Union address has long since ceased being about the state of the union. The…James Carafano -
Critics Accuse Obama Administration of Jeopardizing US Security in Wake of Guantanamo Bay Prisoner Transfer
Despite significant opposition from a group of Republican senators, the Department of Defense announced yesterday that five detainees would be transferred from the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba to Oman and Estonia. “The detainees that remain at Guantanamo are the worst of the worst, and their continued release will only further damage our national…Melissa Quinn -
NYPD Boosts Security Measures, Tells Cadets Not to Wear Uniforms
The New York Police Department is escalating security measures, telling academy trainees not to wear their uniforms or any other NYPD clothing in public. This recommendation, which follows the deadly shootings of two NYPD officers Saturday, is an effort to avoid copycat attempts, according to ABC’s Good Morning America. Officials told the outlet this morning that the…Natalie Johnson -
Embassy Security Remains Problematic as Benghazi Select Committee Convenes Second Hearing
The House Select Committee on Benghazi convened its second hearing Wednesday focusing on the security of U.S. embassies and other high-risk diplomatic posts. Clearly, security was grossly inadequate in Benghazi, Libya, where four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador, lost their lives in a terrorist attack. The hearing comes as several organizations have revealed persistent problems…Helle Dale -
More Regulations Undermine Chemical Facilities Security
What does security at chemical facilities have to do with labor relations? Not much, but lawmakers are considering adding a provision to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) that would connect them. The addition would require a union representative to be present at any meetings regarding chemical security, notes former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy…Ellen Prichard -
3 Schoolgirls’ Attraction to ISIS Reveals 24/7 Security Concern
News that three teen-age schoolgirls from the Denver area skipped class and headed off to join the Islamic State terrorist group in Syria isn’t as surprising as it first appears, a national security expert says. “This is something law enforcement officials are going to have to be on 24/7,” James Carafano, vice president of foreign…Josh Siegel