Can We Blame George Bush for the Syrian Refugee Crisis?
America “broke” the Middle East and now its European allies are living with the consequences.
Asia
Russia’s Goal in Syria May Be to Worsen Refugee Crisis
By drawing out the war in Syria, Russia may be trying to exacerbate a crisis that is dividing Europe.
East-West Standoff Informs Russia’s Support for Assad
Russia has interests in Syria, but it also sees the war through the prism of its standoff with the West.
Russia’s Smart-Dumb Move into Syria’s Civil War
Russia’s support for Bashar Assad makes it seem more reliable to its allies. But at what cost?
Arab-Backed Islamists Seize Syria’s Idlib Province
An alliance of Islamist groups ejects forces loyal to Bashar Assad from the northwest of Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s No Good, Very Bad War in Yemen
The failing intervention in Yemen could soon start undermining the social contract in Arab states.
Arab Gulf States Will Have to Let in Syrian Refugees
The monarchies in the Gulf are reluctant to admit refugees from Syria but will likely have to.
Russia Seen Expanding Role in Syrian Conflict
Rumors swirl about Russian forces in Syria weeks after a high Iranian official visited Moscow.
After Iran Deal, America Must Reassure Arab Allies
If America is to “pivot” on the Middle East’s Shia-Sunni divide, it must appease Iran’s rivals.
Imagining the End Game: How North Korea May Collapse
If America and China go from rivals to allies or China bungles its rise, North Korea will lose its strategic value.
Davutoğlu Returns Mandate, Early Elections Likely
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is likely to call snap elections rather than give other parties a chance to govern.
Why Did the United States Remove Patriot Missiles from Turkey?
America’s official explanations for the removal of the air defense system from Turkey make no sense.
Japan’s Economy Shrinks as Abe Puts Off Reforms
The prime minister’s refusal to liberalize agriculture and Japan’s sclerotic labor market is denying it growth.
Snap Elections Likely After Turkish Coalition Talks Fail
Turkey’s ruling Islamist party will try to win back its majority by suppressing support for the opposition Kurds.
Army Pulls Back as Syrian Rebels Advance on Alawite Heartland
Islamist opposition forces make another move on the historical heartland of Bashar Assad’s Alawite sect.