The Cipher Brief

CIA Deaths Expose Fragile U.S.-Mexico Security Ties

The deaths of two CIA officers highlights a growing U.S. intelligence footprint in cartel territory - and the political backlash it’s triggering in Mexico City.

Woman speaking at podium with Mexican seal, flag, and artwork in background.

Around two o’clock in the morning of April 19, an SUV veered off a twisting dirt road in a remote corner of the Sierra Madre, plunged into a ravine [...] More

The Open Source Report

Expert Insights

Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

The Dangerous Trade of State Secrets

At just after 2 a.m. on January 3, explosions echoed across Caracas. Low-flying aircraft struck military installations. Venezuelan President Nicolás [...] More

Pakistan: Broker of Peace While Still at War

Just a few weeks ago, Pakistan, the host for fragile ceasefire talks aiming to end the war between the U.S. and Iran, was at war with Afghanistan in [...] More

Iranian president meets with Putin, discusses ways to boost cooperation in all sectors

What Iran Is Learning from Russia’s War and Why the U.S. Should Be Concerned

KREMLIN FILES/COLUMN: The war in Ukraine is often framed by optimistic academics, and some policymakers as a cautionary tale—an example of how [...] More

Pakistan’s Terror Landscape Continues to Threaten South Asia

Pakistan’s Terror Landscape Continues to Threaten South Asia

OPINION — In March 2025, an elderly cleric with a long history in Pakistan’s jihadist circles stood before a gathering at Markaz-e-Taiba and called [...] More

What’s on The Cipher Brief’s Digital Channel

SOFT PEDAL POWER: As President Trump gets ready to head to Beijing for a May 14-15 summit, the Wall Street Journal is recalling a warmer era. In 2005, the National Security Council’s Asia director Dennis Wilder was working on plans for a summit meeting in China between Presidents George W. Bush and Hu Jintao. Wilder knew that Bush was a passionate mountain biker and thought it might be fun to have Bush take a ride on Beijing's Olympic course which was being built for the 2008 Games. Small problem: Wilder checked with the CIA, which had satellite photos of the site and it looked like construction hadn't even started. So, [...] More

Get The Drop

Events

Live Events

Podcasts

State Secrets

What does “success” look like in a conflict with Iran - and what comes next? In this in-depth conversation, General David Petraeus joins The Cipher Brief’s Suzanne Kelly to unpack the military and strategic realities shaping today’s most consequential conflicts. From the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the unresolved risks around Iran’s nuclear program, Petraeus explains what’s at stake not just for the U.S., but for the global economy. But the real story? Ukraine. Petraeus calls it the true test case for the future of war - where drones, autonomy, and rapid innovation are redefining the battlefield in real time.