Ideas
The History of No-Fly Zones Doesn’t Bode Well for Syria
Tough-talking presidential candidates want a no-fly zone to save Syrians. But nothing in the historical record shows a NFZ would work this time.
Threats
Gates: Come Up With A Syria Strategy, Then Tell Putin ‘Stay Out of the Way’
In his return to Washington, the former defense secretary says the Russian chief knows just what he’s doing.
Ideas
Resettling Syria's Refugees Would Be Cheaper Than Widening the War
It would also be morally and practically superior to the West's current selective intervention.
Threats
Syria's Assad Visits Russia While Turkey Points to the Exit
In Moscow, Assad thanked Russia for its role in preventing 'events in Syria from taking an even more tragic turn.'
Business
A-10s Are Heading Back to War, This Time In Syria
Pentagon confirms Hawgs’ arrival in Turkey; details new deconfliction deal with Russia.
Threats
Russian Airstrikes Are Killing 1 Syrian Civilian for Every 2 Combatants
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Russian warplanes have killed 370 people this month. Thirty-four percent have been civilians.
Ideas
Women Are On Front Lines Of Every Battle Zone, But Not In The Way You Think
Through four years of horrendous civil war, women have handled local ceasefires, human rights abuses, opened temporary schools, and exposed local officials.
Policy
As Syria Heats Up, Obama Defends Mideast Policy
In a confrontational interview on 60 Minutes, the president fired back at critics of his response to Russian moves in Syria.
Policy
Lawmakers Push US To Admit More Syrians as FBI Underscores ‘Risk’
The National Counterterrorism Center and FBI are concerned over holes in Syrian security screenings; 84 lawmakers are concerned over redundancies.
Threats
White House Once Again Weighing Intervention Options in Syria
After $500 million train-and-equip effort fails, what comes next?
Threats
Obama Cancels Syrian Train-and-Equip Program
The Pentagon now plans to focus on training just key Syrian leaders and sending more arms — and air cover — to fighters already on the ground.
Ideas
Don't Chase Putin Out of Syria — Let Him Fail On His Own
Putin is no chess master. He overstretched and misstepped in Syria, and U.S. would be wiser to wait him out than chase him out.
Threats
Russia Aims A Second Salvo at Syria, Hits Iran Instead
Cruise missiles launched from warships in the Caspian Sea go awry on their 1,000-mile journey.
Policy
How Fear Slammed America’s Door on Syrian Refugees
As millions flee from war to uncertainty or death, ‘national security concerns’ have kept US arrivals to a trickle.
Threats
Russia Fired Cruise Missiles At Syria and YouTubed the Whole Thing
The Defense Ministry said 26 medium-range cruise missiles were fired into Syria from ships nearly 1,000 miles away.
Ideas
Watch What Putin Does, Not What He Says
Nothing in the Russian president’s UN speech suggested he was about to bomb Syria or withdraw from Ukraine. But that’s what he did.
Ideas
US No Longer ‘Allergic’ To Iranian Role in Syrian Solution
A former US ambassador to Syria spies a subtle shift in US thinking about a way forward in the wartorn country.
Threats
U.S., Russia Discussing Deconfliction in Syria — One Day After Russian Strikes Begin
Also: Pentagon officials say Russian strikes didn’t hit ISIS targets as Moscow claims.
Threats
Defense Secretary Ash Carter: US Won't Be Clearing Syria’s Skies for Russia
As Russia launches its first strikes in Syria, defying recent agreements to deconflict with U.S. forces, the Pentagon is rejecting its call to stay out of the way.
Ideas