Ideas
Deter Russia’s Use of Chemical Weapons in Ukraine
How Biden handles threats will dissuade Moscow and other adversaries from using these weapons—or encourage it.
Threats
ISIS Leader Dead After US Raid in Syria, Biden Says
A U.S. helicopter malfunctioned and was intentionally destroyed during the mission, officials say.
Threats
‘There Will Be No Withdrawal’: Syrian Allies Say US Has Promised to Keep Some Troops There
But for how long? The Kurds say uncertainty is emboldening Turkey, Russian-backed militias, and the Assad regime.
Policy
Air Strikes Renew Battle Over War Authorizations
Some lawmakers are using Sunday’s strikes in Iraq and Syria to push for keeping a two-decade-old statute, but law experts say their arguments don’t hold water.
Ideas
A US Ambassador Ends His Service on the Front Lines in Syria
Reflections on U.S. foreign policy in a wartorn state.
Ideas
America Needs to Take Charge of the ISIS Aftermath
Two years after the fall of the caliphate, the world should not leave this to the SDF.
Threats
In Syria, US Commanders Hold the Line — and Wait for Biden
Troops maintain the status quo amid a counterterrorism success-turned-frozen war.
Exclusive
Policy
Coalition Plans To Expand Giant ISIS Prison In Syria
The UK-funded effort signals no answer in sight to the thousands of foreign and Syrian detainees.
Policy
Exclusive: Longtime US Diplomat Weighs America’s Legacy in Syria
The immediate damage of the Turkish invasion has been repaired, Bill Roebuck says, but warns ISIS could reemerge without more U.S. assistance.
Threats
Outgoing Syria Envoy Admits Hiding US Troop Numbers; Praises Trump’s Mideast Record
‘We were always playing shell games,’ says Amb. Jim Jeffrey, who also gives advice to President-elect Biden.
Policy
Could Trump Assassinate A World Leader and Get Away With it?
Maybe. Scholars explain why the answer is as murky as the law.
Policy
Trump Says He Wanted To Assassinate Syria’s Assad
The revelation further undermines the president’s assertion that he has stood firmly between the Pentagon and war.
Policy
US Announces Troop Cut In Iraq
The announcement makes public plans that have been in the works for months.
Policy
As Russia Provokes, Trump Remains Silent
The president continues a pattern of deference to Moscow amid unsafe air operations, a roadway collision that injured U.S. troops, and the poisoning of a Putin critic.
Policy