The Cipher Brief: National Security news, analysis and expert commentary.

The Open Source Report

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut and Damascus, as Israeli troops move into southern Lebanon

Zelensky compares Western help for Israel and Ukraine

U.S. charges 5 Chinese nationals for sneaking around Michigan military facility in dead of night

CIA ramps up recruitment of informants to China, Iran, North Korea

Global chip firms monitoring hurricane impact on North Carolina quartz mines

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The Experts

Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

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Featured Viewing

The Escalating Situation in the Middle East | THE WORLD DECIPHERED SPECIAL EPISODE


Opinion

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Escalation & Options in the Middle East | The Cipher Brief

What Would Full-Scale War in the Middle East mean for the World? | The Cipher Brief

What to Know About Foreign Interference in US Elections | The Cipher Brief


Book Reviews

Dead Drop

This Week’s Dead Drop: September 27

SHAMELESS (Self-Promotion): A look behind-the-scenes at life at The Cipher Brief I WENT TO NEW YORK AND ALL I GOT WAS: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went to New York this week to attend the United Nation’s General Assembly meeting and to hold sideline meetings with world leaders in a bid to get more support to Ukraine, faster. He got a pledge for $8B from outgoing President Joe Biden but that’s a check that might be tough to cash if Donald Trump is elected again, given the former president’s emotional comments [...] More

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Podcasts

State Secrets

The Defense Counterintelligence & Security Agency touches more than 90% of the personnel security background checks that help determine whether a job candidate receives a security clearance. But the agency has other missions as well, all focused on enhancing national security. State Secrets podcast host Suzanne Kelly talks with Director David Cattler about the agency’s responsibilities, about just how long it takes to get a clearance, the challenges associated with clearing a workforce and about whether that marijuana you once tried really is a dealbreaker (we couldn’t resist the urge to ask).

Cover Stories: Spies, Books & Entertainment

We talk with retired Navy Rear Admiral Mike Studeman about his book “Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity about why trust in leaders in the public and private sector has sunk to all-time lows and his formula for restoring and keeping that trust.Drawing on his naval experience (and heritage) Studeman explains how every person in an organization must pull their share of the load – because one weak link may sink the enterprise.The book has great value for sailors and non-sailors alike, giving readers insights on how to harden their own leadership mettle.


What the Experts Say

The in-depth analysis The Cipher Brief provides, on all issues affecting our national security, written by some of the most senior and knowledgeable public and private sector experts, is truly unique and invaluable. It’s a must read for anyone interested in world affairs.
Ambassador Joseph R. Detrani

The Cipher Brief means intelligence for business. And business has never needed a clear global picture more than now. I’ve been doing this for nearly fifty years and I have never seen the globe more complicated nor the effects of distant events more immediately felt. Seasoned intelligence professionals speak freely and candidly every day on The Cipher Brief and bring their intellect, their experience and their global networks to bear on what will be tomorrow’s news.

General Michael Hayden

“The Cipher Brief is my daily ‘must read’ for insightful coverage and analysis of national security events.  I find the Open Source Report to be a key tool in assessing global geopolitical risk, and illuminating national security challenges in just the right amount of depth.  It’s the perfect balance.  I can read it quickly, but step away feeling I have a solid grasp of the issues and implications.  Thanks to the brilliant Cipher Brief Team! “

Lt. Gen. Michael Groen (Ret.)

The Cipher Brief has become the preeminent information platform for the national security community. I read it, I contribute to it, and I recommend it to military, civilian, and industry partners seeking the most up-to-date and expert analysis of the major issues facing the government, business, and others committed to the security of the nation.

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Guy C. Swann III

The Cipher Brief has quickly established itself as a go-to site among Washington national security devotees – and those outside the capital as well. Readers have learned that they can quickly catch up on the latest news, take deeper dives into the key issues, and get a peek behind the curtain with Cipher’s unique Dead Drop feature – all on one user friendly spot.

John McLaughlin

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