Threats
Russia is Winning the Information War in Iraq and Syria: UK General
Moscow is “better than us” in using social media to shape the strategic landscape, says a former deputy commander of the West’s anti-ISIS coalition.
Policy
‘It’s Complete Folly’: Hagel Says Trump Administration Can’t Threaten Iran Out of Syria
“I don't know what our foreign policy objective is in the Middle East or almost anywhere else,” says former defense secretary at Defense One interview.
Policy
Trump Officials Target Iran, Raising Question of US Military’s Role in Mideast
Some fear the strategy opens the door to strikes on Iranian forces inside Syria — and direct armed conflict with Tehran.
Ideas
ISIS Sees Opportunity as Syria’s Rebellion Falls
Religious extremists will try to inherit the energy of the all-but-defeated rebellion, just as they did in Iraq after the surge.
Ideas
The World Waits for Putin to Stop Assad. He Won't
As Assad begins an assault on Idlib, the last rebel stronghold, the world has fooled itself into thinking Russia will intervene.
Ideas
Russia Can Stop a Slaughter in Idlib
The Syrian province doesn’t have to be the site of another catastrophe. But its fate hangs on the decisions of outside powers.
Ideas
Ep. 19: Idlib and the future of Syria's Kurds; Yemen, RISK and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
Syria Is Forcing Former Rebels to Fight Their Friends
The U.S. should withhold reconstruction funds until Assad ends forced conscription and makes other constitutional changes.
Threats
The Worst May Be Yet to Come in Syria
As Bashar al-Assad and Russia prepare to assault Idlib, there are up to 3 million people with nowhere to go.
Ideas
Ep. 18: Gayle Lemmon on Syria, Afghanistan's future; All about US Army Futures Command and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
Women Rise as Raqqa Rebuilds Without the World’s Help
Local women and local security are reawakening the Syrian city, with few Americans in sight.
Ideas
No Matter Who Wins the Syrian Civil War, Israel Loses
Assad is Iran’s most important Arab ally; his would-be successors are Sunni militias and jihadists. Netanyahu’s overtures to Putin can’t change that.
Policy
Mattis: US Troops Can’t Leave Syria Until UN Peace Talks Advance
They’re still fighting ISIS remnants, holding ground, and waiting for a political solution.
Ideas
Turkey Made a Bet Against Assad—And Lost
Back in 2011, Erdoğan supported the rebels against the Syrian regime in hopes of gaining influence across the Middle East. Things haven’t gone according to plan.
Policy
The US Will Spend Billions in Syria—Just Not on Rebuilding It
The Trump administration has ended a civilian aid program in the country, but the cost of the counter-ISIS fight far outweighs those savings.
Threats
Mattis: No Pentagon Policy Changes Since Trump-Putin Helsinki Summit
The defense secretary also said that his department’s policies on Iran remain the same despite tougher Trump administration rhetoric.
Ideas
Russia Can’t Control What Happens in Syria
As the civil war morphs, Putin is trying to position himself as the indispensable power. But a dangerous confrontation between Israel and Iran is escalating.
Ideas
Ep. 12: Charles Lister on the future of Syria and ISIS; Mara Karlin on the US and fragile states; Lockheed's Greg Ulmer on the F-35 and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas