The planet’s diversity tells us that evolution works. But the number of failed life forms is sobering. Even once dominant organisms such as dinosaurs could not avoid extinction. The United States is the most dominant presence on Earth today, but terrorist networks such as al Qaeda represent a ruthless adversary. Terrorism poses an evolutionary challenge; it should be treated like one.

What’s made DARPA unique is its willingness to challenge convention. Conceived during the Cold War, the agency is tasked by the government to think big about technology. When brainpower gets turned loose, it doesn’t always follow a straight line: Sometimes the research winds up getting abandoned, other times it results in spectacular inventions....
Hanging DARPA out to dry may satisfy some people, but the agency’s job is to explore new ideas and research with an eye on how to enhance national security. If the United States is going to defeat a shadowy network of terrorists that has already attacked once, the key is going to be information. But if you junk the system, you’re trusting your fate to the winds.