Policy
A Day of Whiplash in the US’s Syria Policy
At simultaneous live events, the president and military leaders offered conflicting views about America’s involvement.
Ideas
Saudi Crown Prince: Iran's Supreme Leader 'Makes Hitler Look Good'
In a wide-ranging conversation, Prince Mohammed bin Salman also recognized the Jewish people’s right to “their own land.”
Threats
The War in Iraq Isn’t Done. Commanders Explain Why and What's Next
Senior US and Iraq officers say the 15-year fight isn’t quite finished and they need to ensure that another ISIS can’t rise.
Ideas
Yemen Shows Why US Needs to Change Its Arms Sales Policy
A Senate resolution to reduce U.S. participation in Yemen's war failed, but policymakers seeking to reduce complicity in the humanitarian crisis have another option.
Threats
Russia ‘Incredibly Destabilizing’ as Syrian Conflict Threatens Region, Top US General Warns
Weeks after Tillerson said the U.S. and Russia share a postwar vision, Votel says Moscow is playing both “arsonist and firefighter.”
Policy
It Could Get Harder to Track US War Spending
The administration plans to push “enduring” costs from the Overseas Contingency Operations war fund back into the base budget in future years.
Threats
Syria’s War Is Fueling Three More Conflicts
As ISIS evaporates, the buffer zones between armed combatants of several opposing groups and nations have disappeared.
Ideas
The US Is Drifting Toward War With a NATO Ally
It's not too late to stem Turkey's turn toward Russia — and defuse a World War I-style conflict.
Ideas
The US Must Stop Turkey Now
Americans are wrong to placate Erdogan and permit his attacks on northern Syria. Here's how Washington can get it right.
Ideas
Inside The World's Most Radical Experiment in Women’s Rights
The women’s movement in northern Syria is more like a women’s earthquake, in politics, governance, and the region's security.
Ideas
Stop Turkey's Bombardment Of Our People
What is happening now in Afrin is in clear defiance of all international laws, norms, and values. We will fight. But we shouldn’t have to.
Policy
Qatar Wants to Host US Ships, Expand Air Base For American Families
Amid the Saudi-led blockade, the Qatari defense minister came to Washington seeking deeper ties with U.S.
Threats
US General to Turkey: We’re Not Pulling Back
Gen. Votel said the U.S. recognizes its NATO ally's concerns but won't abandon the coalition of Syrian Democratic Forces fighting ISIS on the world's behalf.
Ideas
How the Saudis Drag the US into Perpetual War in the Mideast
With ISIS essentially gone from Syria, it's time to bug out, no matter what the Kingdom thinks.
Threats
Turkey’s Attack on Kurds Tops US Concerns in Syria, Even as ISIS Keeps Fighting
Over the past three days, the leader of U.S. Central Command and other American military commanders in the region have sounded increasingly alarmed.
Ideas
The Entirely Rational Basis For Turkey's Move Into Syria
Nearly a century of mistrust of America and an obsession with defeating the Kurds sparked its operation in Afrin.
Threats
SPECIAL REPORT: In Shattered Raqqa, Top US General Calls for the World’s Help
Votel assures SDF fighters the U.S. will remain committed to them, but bringing this Syrian city back to life will take more than the troops who liberated it can give.
Ideas
How Should the Pentagon Reshape Its Mideast Posture? Four Indicators to Watch
A tour of possible scenarios reveals what U.S. policymakers ought to be focused on as they chart the future of regional force posture.
Threats
America Quietly Starts Nation-Building in Parts of Syria
The U.S. has escalated its presence in the country, and has signaled no timetable for when it will end.
Threats