The Cipher Brief

From Terrorist to Trial: The Pursuit of Justice BOOK REVIEW: RACE AGAINST TERROR: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever WarBy Jake Tapper / Atria BooksReviewed by: Joe ZacksThe Reviewer — Joe Zacks is the Deputy Assistant Director of the CIA for Counterterrorism. He has previously served as the Agency’s Chief Learning Officer and ...

Race Against Terror by @jaketapper.bsky.social follows the saga of bringing an Al Qaeda killer to justice

Exclusive @thecipherbrief review by CIA Counterterrorism Deputy Assistant Director Joe Zacks.

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Telecom Bust Near the UN Reveals New National Security Vulnerability Experts warn the takedown underscores a blind spot in U.S. defenses: telecom networks as contested terrain in hybrid conflict.

Experts warn the takedown underscores a blind spot in U.S. defenses: telecom networks as contested terrain in hybrid conflict.
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Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, October 2, 2025

Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, October 2, 2025

Seizing a 21st Century Cognitive Advantage. OPINION — In 1943, a body washed up on a beach in Huelva, Spain. It was the body of a Royal Marine officer, Major William Martin. Martin was carrying papers, cuffed to his wrist in a briefcase, suggesting that the Allies would invade Greece and Sardinia, not Sicily. Spain was officially neutral, but

Seizing a 21st Century Cognitive Advantage.

Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Day 1 of the U.S. shutdown: no sign either side will move. Federal workers brace as risks mount. →

Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Today: Europe declares it’s ‘no longer at peace’ with Russia, Moscow warns of U.S. missile escalation, Trump pushes Gaza peace plan, a U.S. shutdown looms, and China tests global missile defense.

The Cipher Brief’s Open Source Report (OSR) delivers trusted national security news from global open sources.

Witness to a Sea Change in the Middle East: Jack Keane Says Israel Has a Window to Break Iran’s Proxies The retired general warns that Washington and its allies must maintain economic and diplomatic pressure for Israel to pursue postwar security and regional normalization

Exclusive Subscriber+ | Gen. Jack Keane warns Israel has a narrow window to dismantle Iran’s proxy network—and says Washington must keep pressure high to secure postwar stability.

Report for Monday, September 29, 2025

Report for Monday, September 29, 2025. OSR for Mon, Sept 29: NATO boosts Baltic defenses after Denmark drone incursions // Zelensky touts US arms ‘mega deal’ // Trump to meet senior military brass // Israeli forces advance before Trump-Netanyahu Gaza talks // Russia’s Africa plans falter.

Inside the High-Stakes World of State-Sponsored Hostage Negotiations BOOK REVIEW: SWAP: A SECRET HISTORY OF THE NEW COLD WAR

Inside the High-Stakes World of State-Sponsored Hostage Negotiations

Europe Prepares for War “War footing” looks different in East and West – but increasingly, the continent is focused on defense

Europe Prepares for War

The Open Source Report is your daily brief on the most important natsec developments. From battlefield updates in Ukraine to cyber threats and shifting geopolitics, the OSR delivers what you need to know- fast, authoritative, and expert-driven.

Stay ahead. Read the full report: 🔗 bit.ly/480YTtz

As Cyber Threats Grow, the Clock Ticks on a Critical Cybersecurity Law Experts warn of the risk of losing key threat intelligence sharing legislation

The onslaught of cyberattacks against the U.S. and U.S. businesses has not let up and the clock is ticking on reauthorizing a new bill that - if not renewed - will make it even harder to defend against the threat.
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Europe Prepares for War “War footing” looks different in East and West – but increasingly, the continent is focused on defense

“War footing” looks different in East and West – but increasingly, the continent is focused on defense.
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Urgent threats. Bold insights. A roadmap for the future of cybersecurity. Join top leaders at the CIG Fall Summit as they discuss AI, China’s intrusions, offensive cyber strategy, and what’s next for the global cyber community. Register at www.cyberinitiativesgroup.com/fall-summit-...

2025 Fall Summit | Cyber Initiatives Group The Cyber Initiatives Group (CIG) is an organization of cyber leaders with deep public and private sector experience who work together toward a more secure cyber future.

Our next Cyber Initiatives Group summit is this Wednesday, September 17, from 12PM- 3PM. You can see the latest details on the agenda, and sign up right here: www.cyberinitiativesgroup.com/fall-summit-...

Can NATO Still Scare Putin? Experts warn that sanctions alone won’t cut it as Moscow pushes the boundaries of airspace and Western leaders hesitate on red lines.

Experts warn that sanctions alone won’t cut it as #Moscow pushes the boundaries of airspace and Western leaders hesitate on red lines.
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Israeli Strike in Doha Shakes Regional Order Targeting Hamas inside Qatar marks a first for Israel, complicating U.S. ceasefire efforts and raising new questions about GCC stability

Targeting Hamas inside Qatar marks a first for Israel, complicating U.S. ceasefire efforts and raising new questions about GCC stability
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The missile threat against the U.S. has quietly and significantly grown over the past four decades as U.S. adversaries have added more sophisticated missiles to their arsenals, investing in both the scope of their systems as well as their ability to reach the U.S. homeland, according to experts. The missile threat against the U.S. has grown significantly, prompting the ambitious Golden Dome program to protect the homeland. Can this space-based defense system truly alter the nuclear balance of power? Follow the journey of this groundbreaking project and its potential impact on national security. Subscribe to The Cipher Brief for expert insights on this critical issue. #GoldenDome #NationalSecurity #MissileDefense.

The Golden Dome Gamble:

Navigating the challenges to a split-second kill decision that could protect the U.S. homeland
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Myanmar’s Civil War Is Tearing the Country Apart And Giving China and Russia a Front Row Seat. What's the Cost of Indifference?

Myanmar’s Civil War Is Tearing the Country Apart

And Giving China and Russia a Front Row Seat. What's the Cost of Indifference?
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Rearming a Fractured Ally: Should the U.S. Let Turkey Back Into the F-35 Program? Experts note both risks and upsides

Rearming a Fractured Ally: Should the U.S. Let Turkey Back Into the F-35 Program?

Experts note both risks and upsides
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Saudi Crown Prince Prepares for a Washington Reset — With Trillions at Stake Expert interview on Saudi Crown Prince's upcoming visit to Washington in November, focusing on business deals, regional stability, and deepening trust between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Insights from former National Intelligence Manager for Iran, Norman T. Roule.

Saudi Crown Prince Prepares for a Washington Reset — With Trillions at Stake

A White House visit could advance business deals but deepening trust is the underlying goal.
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Unity at the White House Sharpens Pressure on Putin Zelensky joins Trump and European allies in Washington as calls grow for a trilateral meeting with Putin

Unity at the White House Sharpens Pressure on Putin

Zelensky joins Trump and European allies in Washington as calls grow for a trilateral meeting with Putin.
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Here’s How Russia’s Covert War Could Undermine its Own Goals There’s historical precedent for Moscow to worry.

Here’s How Russia’s Covert War Could Undermine its Own Goals

There’s historical precedent for Moscow to worry.
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The stakes for the Trump-Putin summit couldn’t be higher. If Putin leaves Alaska without concessions, he’ll be emboldened to keep killing in Ukraine—and beyond. Rob Dannenberg warns: The U.S. must stand firm. www.thecipherbrief.com/putin-trump-...