Professor of Defense Analysis, Naval Postgraduate School
Professor of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and writer for Foreign Policy magazine; author of Worst Enemy: The Reluctant Transformation of the American Military
Russia, China, and cyber security The White House sanctions Russia for meddling in the 2016 election. Why now? The move comes after Britain escalates its fight with the Kremlin over the suspected poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter on U.K. soil. Meanwhile, some experts argue China is better than Russia at infiltrating U.S. intelligence. How extensive is China’s spying network?
Iran, Stuxnet and International Diplomacy The US and Israel now say Iran is not as far along in developing nuclear technology as they thought just a few months ago. Hillary Rodham Clinton says that's due to international sanctions. The outgoing chief of Israeli intelligence cites what he calls " technical setbacks ." The New York Times is more specific, pointing to the Stuxnet computer virus, tested at Israel's Dimona nuclear complex with assistance from the United States. Segment image: Iran begins to fuel its first nuclear power station on August 21, 2010 in Bushehr. Photo: IIPA via Getty Images
Iran, Stuxnet and International Diplomacy US and Israeli estimates of Iran's nuclear timetable are less alarming than they were just months ago. Hillary Rodham Clinton says that's due to international sanctions. The outgoing chief of Israeli intelligence cites what he calls " technical setbacks ." The New York Times reports it's the result of Stuxnet, tested at Israel's Dimona nuclear complex with assistance from the United States. That computer virus reportedly caused Iranian centrifuges to spin out of control while convincing operators all was well. It's also capable of disrupting electrical power grids, air traffic control systems or military networks, including those of its own developers. How vulnerable is the US? What will Stuxnet mean for diplomacy, including upcoming talks about Iran's nuclear program?
Afghanistan Elections and Rethinking the War Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has canceled plans to attend this week's UN General Assembly so he can stay home and watch over the process of counting votes from Saturday's parliamentary elections. The elections have been all but ignored in this country, but they've raised some familiar questions about the US and Afghanistan. Violence and intimidation kept turnout low, and massive fraud will taint whatever results are finally announced. What do Afghans think now of democracy? Is there any way to check the corruption of the Karzai regime, which reportedly undermines America's basic strategy and makes the Taliban stronger? Should the US change its political focus from the central government to local leaders, abandon counterinsurgency and get by with fewer troops?
Another 'Czar' at the Obama White House Cyber crime is a real threat to the economy. Railroads, air traffic control and electric utilities are already the targets of “Weapons of Mass Disruption.” That was the President's message today as he created a new job to make up for a dismal lack of national preparation. The Cyber-security Coordinator will be on both the economic and national security councils with access to the President, but critics insist that won't work. We hear how serious the problem is and ask if creating the new “Czar” will be more than a symbolic gesture.
Cyber-warfare and Weapons of Mass Annoyance Credit-card theft, bank fraud and electronic spying are cheaper and easier because of the Internet. There's evidence that China and Russia have hacked into defense contractors and even the Pentagon. Barack Obama is being urged to create a Center for Cyber Security Operations to be overseen by a special White House advisor.
War and Security in Cyber-space Attacks on the Internet may not produce blood and gore, but they do pose genuine threats to national security and the economy. Credit card theft, bank fraud and other electronic crimes are on the rise. There's evidence that China and Russia have hacked into defense contractors and even the Pentagon. Advisors to the Obama transition team are among those recommending a Center for Cyber-security Operations to be overseen by a special White House advisor. When would a cyber-attack be an act of war? Should intelligence agencies, law enforcement or the military take charge? What about individual privacy?
A California car that takes solar power seriously Cars and trucks are some of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. And so a number of automobile companies are exploring ways to meet governmental - and consumer - demands for cleaner drives.
Governor's Race Debate A debate between Gavin Newsom and John Cox hosted by KQED.
Inside the company helping LA County change its elections Big changes are coming to L.A. County elections starting in the year 2020. You’ll see 11 days of voting, not just one, ballots on high-tech touch screen terminals instead of paper and all new election software. Los Angeles County isn’t making the changes by itself. It has a partner in the effort, a private company that’s headquartered abroad and was once the focus of federal investigators. Is it a company that voters can trust with improving its elections?
Are state-mandated gender quotas legal? California becomes the first state to impose gender quotas on corporate boards, but will the new law make it through legal review? It’s a close race for the 25th Congressional seat in Ventura County, as Democrats try to flip the district from red to blue. A wine from the Central Coast plays a lead role in “Somm 3,” and artists debut performances inspired by the Thomas Fire and subsequent mudslides.