Ideas
Trump Is Complicit in Erdoğan’s Violence
Now the war in Syria has a victor. And it’s not the U.S.
Threats
The US Is Leaving Syria. Russia Is Moving In.
“I hope they all do great, we are 7,000 miles away!” Trump tweeted.
Ideas
ISIS Is Gloating
The best one could say about America’s abandonment of the Kurds is that they should have known we would sell them out eventually.
Science & Tech
Esper Condemns ‘War Crimes’; Trump Orders 1,000 US Troops Out of Northern Syria
As Turkey strikes deeper into northern Syria, Trump says ‘let them’ fight.
Ideas
Why Is Turkey in NATO Anyway?
Both sides have been repeatedly disappointed in the decades since Ankara joined the alliance. Is it time to call it off?
Threats
US Defense Secretary: I Can't Put Forces Between Turks and Kurds
Esper explained why the U.S.-backed rebels will get no air cover or other help. But he couldn't explain why U.S. troops were moved after this particular Turkish threat to invade.
Threats
Anti-ISIS Operations In Syria Cease Amid Turkish Assault
“The SDF is clearly focused on the northern border to protect their forces,” a defense official said.
Policy
Why US Officials Say Trump is Flexing on Foreign Policy
“Trump has been Trump in foreign policy—but the safety nets are gone,” said one senior national security official, of the president’s Syria decision.
Ideas
The Forever War Fought by America’s Allies
The U.S.-backed soldiers who battled ISIS across Syria and Iraq could be locked in the struggle for a very long time.
Threats
As Assault Begins, Trump Vows to Make Turkey Keep Its Word While Lawmakers Vow Punishment
The president said 'far more than sanctions' awaits Turkey if its assault taking over northern Syria is not 'as humane as possible.'
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
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
US Might Still Sanction Turkey For Buying S-400 From Russia
Any punishments would supplement Ankara’s ejection from the F-35 program.
Policy
Graham: I Told Turkey They Can Avoid Sanctions If They Don’t Activate Russian Radar
Sen. Lindsay Graham says President Trump asked him to make the call.
Ideas
Where Can the US and Turkey Go From Here?
The battle to save the relationship will not be an easy one, but we have not lost it just yet.
Policy
NATO Secretary General: Alliance, Turkey Still Friends Despite S-400
“I’m not underestimating the difficulty related to the S-400, but I’m saying that Turkey as a NATO member is much more than S-400,” Jens Stoltenberg said.
Science & Tech
Why the S-400 and the F-35 Can’t Get Along
Today's radar systems and aircraft need to share a lot of information. That's a problem when the countries that produce them aren't on the same side.
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