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

The Open Source Report

October 9, 2024

Israel’s Netanyahu warns Lebanon of ‘destruction and suffering’ like Gaza

Woodward book: US scrambled to urge Putin not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

Mexico mayors seek protection after one is beheaded days after taking office

UK blames Russia and Iran for a ‘staggering’ surge in deadly plots

US says committed to Asia as Blinken steps in for Biden at ASEAN summit

‘GoldenJackal’ group using new methods to attack government entities

Access the Report

CIA Director: ‘Very Real Danger’ of Wider Mideast War

William Burns praised Israel's recent military gains but urged a fresh strategy and 'smart diplomacy' to end the wars in Lebanon and Gaza.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW – CIA Director William Burns warned Monday of “the very real danger” of a wider war in the Middle East, and urged Israel […] More

The Experts

Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

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Featured Viewing

OCTOBER 7: ONE YEAR LATER | THE WORLD DECIPHERED Ep. 9


Opinion

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INTERPOL Director of Cybercrime talks AI, Scams, and International Collaboration | The Cipher Brief

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

Escalation & Options in the Middle East | The Cipher Brief


Book Reviews

Dead Drop

This Week’s Dead Drop: October 4

THERE IS NOTHING CERTAIN EXCEPT DEATH AND TAXES:  So said (allegedly), Ben Franklin. But you know who would agree with him?  Americans who are held hostage by foreign evil-doers. For example, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich who was released from Russian custody in August was warmly welcomed home by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Internal Revenue Service, which reportedly billed him for taxes he failed to pay while in Putin’s prison. Fellow recently released prisoners Paul Whelan and Vladimir Kara-Murza were also hit with surprise tax [...] 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.


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