Latest Briefs

Putin's Bold Attempt to Deny Skripal Attack

by Mark Kelton

“The concept of plausible denial had an undeniable flavor of wishful thinking about it”, wrote CIA veteran William Hood in his book on Soviet military intelligence (GRU)[1] officer and CIA spy,...

War Crimes in Yemen

by Paul Pillar

The war in Yemen has been for some time one of the worst current man-made humanitarian disasters. Now comes a report, from the United Nations Human Rights Council and based on extensive...

North Korea Brief II: Critical Allied Relationships

by Joseph DeTrani

In part two of The Cipher Brief’s Expert Briefing on North Korea, Ambassador Joseph DeTrani focuses on the critical relationships with allies and partners and how sometimes competing agendas...

North Korea Brief I: Path to Progress on Negotiations

by Joseph DeTrani

Experts cited the lack of intercontinental ballistic missiles in North Korea’s 70th anniversary parade celebrations over the weekend as a sign that the nuclear nation remains committed to...

Where Al Qaeda and Affiliates Stand Today: A Conversation with David Shedd

by David Shedd

While not in the headlines every day, al Qaeda operatives are still the targets of somewhat regular military operations in places like Yemen.  The U.S. carried out a series of air strikes against al...

Remembering and Honoring Senator John McCain

by Cipher Brief Experts

There have been many touching tributes to Senator John McCain this week as his family, his state and his country, prepare for final goodbyes.  Many of The Cipher Brief’s experts interacted...

The Global Threat Posed by Al-Qaeda

by Cipher Brief Analysis

A United Nations report delivered to the Security Council last month offered a stark reminder that al Qaeda remains a serious threat around the world.  The report suggested that the de-centralized...

ISIS Looking to Rebound in the Philippines—And Spread

by Cipher Brief Analysis

This analysis is Cipher Brief Level I Member Only content. It can be accessed via login or by signing up to become a Cipher Brief Member.  Joining this high-level, security-focused community is only...

Cyber Forecast Cloudy with a Chance of Persistent Authoritarianism

by James Van de Velde

The world’s malicious cyber actors — Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea – have spoiled cyber’s original, idealistic vision and instead use cyberspace to advance competitive interests to...

The Rise of the Afghan Taliban

by Cipher Brief Analysis

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is welcoming a ceasefire offer made to the Afghan Taliban over the weekend by the Afghan government.  The offer comes as the Afghan Taliban stretches its lethal...