Trump Seems to Realize Assad Is No Ally Against Islamic State
The Syrian dictator is not going to help defeat the self-declared caliphate. He helped create it.
Bashar al-Assad
Political Dynasties and Their Discontents
Contrary to what you might expect, Europe is actually the continent with the fewest dynasts in power.
Let’s Not Fall into Assad’s and Putin’s Trap in Syria
Syria’s Bashar Assad is not a bulwark against fanaticism and war. He is the enabler of both.
Will America Talk with Syria’s Assad or Not?
John Kerry calls for negotiations but the State Department insists he didn’t mean with Assad.
Analysis Confirms Suspicions Assad Helped Islamic State
Analysis of Syrian counterterrorism operations confirms the regime is avoiding the Islamic State.
Bashar Assad: Root of Islamic State’s Evil
A strategy to defeat the Islamists would be incomplete without a plan to remove its sponsor in Damascus.
Assad Hails “Turning Point” in War, Rebels Advance on Latakia
While rebels advance on his Alawite homeland, the Syrian leader claims victory is within reach.
Condemnations of Syrian War Crimes Have Little Impact
Any proposal to prosecute Syrian officials would probably fail in the Security Council.
Assad, Russia Warn West Against Backing Islamist Rebels
Syria’s president and his Russian ally point to Muslim extremists among the opposition.
Syria’s Assad Soldiers On, Blames Foreigners for Civil War
The president urges Syrians to defend their country against an alien rebellion.
Assad Has the Advantage Before Battle of Aleppo
The Free Syrian Army has fortitude and courage. But Bashar al-Assad has the weapons and firepower.
Ambassador’s Resignation Won’t Crumble Assad Regime
Those on the Syrian leader’s side will not leave until they see a better future for themselves elsewhere.
Sunni General, Friend Abandons Syria’s Assad
The defection of a top Syrian officer appears to be the first crack in Bashar Assad’s inner circle.
Assad Says Turkey Responsible for Syria’s Bloodshed
Syria’s president accuses Turkey of interfering in his country’s “internal affairs.”
Bashar al-Assad’s Sectarian Strategy for the War
The Syrian president exploits the sectarian divide that defines the conflict in his country.