Ideas
Trump Is Killing a Fatally Flawed Syria Policy
Did the president betray the Kurds or help dismantle a contradictory strategy in Syria? Both.
Ideas
'It Didn't Have to Be This Way': Just-Retired CENTCOM General
Trump's decision "threatens to undo five years’ worth of fighting against ISIS and will severely damage American credibility and reliability," writes Joseph Votel, who until March led America's forces in the Mideast.
Threats
Syrian Decision Rekindles Fear of ISIS Prison Breaks
Pentagon and State Department officials have raised alarms for months about the makeshift prisons.
Threats
ISIS Will Benefit from US Withdrawal, Says Retired 3-Star Who Helped Train Syrian Rebels
Michael Nagata says the move will embolden ISIS, Russia, and Iran — and could end the extraction of intelligence from thousands of ISIS fighters held by Syrian rebels.
Ideas
The Syrian Democratic Forces Chief Just Called Me. Here’s What He Said.
“This is going to jeopardize all the achievements we've made with the coalition against ISIS,” said Mazlum Abdi.
Policy
Trump Threatens to ‘Release’ ISIS Fighters into France, Germany
The president wants European governments to repatriate and try citizens being held by Syrian resistance forces.
Ideas
Ep. 53: Civilian casualty reporting and the war on ISIS with Alexa O’Brien and Chris Woods
Why has coverage been so lacking? A new report offers some answers.
Threats
Why Won't Europe Take Back ISIS Fighters from Syria for Trial?
Italy took one. Hundreds more languish while governments slowly decide what to do next.
Policy
EXCLUSIVE: Countries May Begin Backfilling US Troops in Syria Within Weeks, Envoy Says
In an exclusive interview, Amb. Jim Jeffrey also confirmed a breakthrough agreement that could restart the Geneva peace process.
Threats
US Probes Suspected Chlorine Attack
Military action against Syria over the use of chlorine would represent a de facto shift in policy.
Policy
The ‘Day After’ In Syria Finally Came. But What Comes Next?
If U.S. military commanders were unsure of their mission four years ago, it’s even muddier today.
Threats
No One Wants to Help Bashar al-Assad Rebuild Syria
The Syrian president appears comfortably in power, but his supporters in Moscow can’t afford to pay for reconstruction; his adversaries in the West can, but won’t.
Threats
ISIS Is ‘Waiting for the Right Time to Resurge’: CENTCOM Commander
Gen. Joseph Votel offered lawmakers warnings on Syria — and an upbeat message on Afghanistan.
Ideas
A French Officer Speaks the Truth about the War in Syria
Half measures are having predictably ill effects, Col. Legrier wrote. Why are U.S. military leaders silent?
Ideas
Why Withdrawing from Syria and Afghanistan Won’t Save Much Money
The president’s desired troop drawdowns aren’t even penny-wise, and they’re probably pound-foolish.
Threats
Pentagon Wins a Reprieve with Trump Approval of ‘Residual’ Forces in Syria
General Dunford is “confident” U.S. allies will now agree to stay, but for how long remains undetermined.
Threats
As ISIS Fight Winds Down in Syria, Detainee Numbers Are Rising
Nearly 1,000 foreign fighters are in custody, U.S. Special Ops commander says — and in legal limbo.
Threats
Trump: US Will Be Working with Mideast Partners ‘For Many Years to Come’
The president acknowledged that the Islamic State continues to pose a threat even though U.S.-led coalition forces have retaken 99 percent of its territory.
Policy