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
Top General in Middle East Says He Wasn’t Consulted on Syria Withdrawal
U.S. Central Command commander Gen. Joseph Votel provided the first public confirmation that the Pentagon was caught by surprise by Trump’s December tweet.
Threats
What Lies Beyond America’s Deadliest Day in Syria
The assault in northern Syria underscores why Trump wants to get out — and why that’s going to be difficult.
Threats
Army Chief Confirms US Will Hand off ISIS Fight in Syria
Gen. Mark Milley is the first senior military official to say the military is proceeding in Syria as Trump wishes.
Threats
Confusion Reigns as Pentagon Begins Pulling Equipment Out of Syria
The timeline for withdrawal remains murky amid rocky negotiations with Turkey over the Kurds.
Ideas
Ep. 35: After Mattis + Shutdown’s effect on national security
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
America’s Foreign Policy in the Middle East is Not What Pompeo Claimed
In Cairo, the secretary touted stronger U.S. engagement in the region, all evidence to the contrary.
Ideas
The US Isn’t Really Leaving Syria and Afghanistan
Even if American troops come home in a timely fashion, they will likely return before long.
Ideas
The Kurds Have Been Betrayed Again by Washington
Time and again, powerful allies on whose support they thought they could rely abandoned them.
Policy
Trump Kicks Mattis Out Early, Names Shanahan Acting Defense Secretary
The abrupt decision comes amid a growing crescendo of criticism of the president’s snap decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.
Ideas
What we learned in 2018: What's ahead for Syria + why ISIS is not defeated yet
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Ideas
To Succeed in Syria, Don’t Withdraw — Rebrand
The president’s plan is a disaster. If he wants to claim victory, there’s a better way.
Ideas
It Was Time to Leave Syria Anyway
If the gains won by Kurdish and Arab sacrifice completely depend on our continued military presence, then they were illusory to begin with.
Policy
Trump’s Abrupt Syria Reversal Confounds His Own Administration, GOP Allies
Hours later, White House officials had more questions than answers about the withdrawal.
Ideas
Don’t Be Surprised the Next Time Trump Ends a US Mission
No one knows why the president pulled the plug on Syria now, but NATO and South Korea should be worried.
Ideas