So Much for Russian-Turkish Rapprochement
Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane near Syria ends any hope of improving relations.
Geopolitics
Modest Proposal to End Syria’s Civil War, Destroy Islamic State
Ending both the Syrian War and the Islamic State will require cooperation unseen since 1945.
Why Turkey Doesn’t Do More to Defeat Islamic State
Turkey’s priorities are suppressing Kurdish nationalism and toppling Bashar Assad in Syria.
Europe and Arabia: A Geopolitical Perspective
Geography helps explain the complicated history between Europe and the Middle East.
Why the Hell Would ISIS Attack Paris? Geopolitics of Terrorism
The radical Islamist group is hoping the West will either shrink from the fight or overreact.
Is Spain About to Break Up? Geopolitics of the New Europe
As long as Catalans don’t threaten the EU or NATO, they can go ahead and secede from Spain.
The Giant Awakes: America Begins to Reclaim Top Spot
The superpower is striking back against Chinese and Russian challenges to its international system.
Kerry Visit Underscores Uzbekistan’s Pivotal Role
As America draws down in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan is likely to start playing a bigger role in Central Asia.
While Fighting Islamists, Iraq’s Kurds Succumb to Rivalries
Decades-old rivalries resurface in the north of Iraq.
Russia’s Syria Intervention Sign of Weakness, Not Strength
Russia can only afford to be “bold” in Syria because it has no other allies to care about.
Criticism of British Relations with China Overblown
If the United Kingdom is subordinating its principles to commercial gain, that is hardly unusual.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Made Super
Until the United States withdraw from the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will recycle itself.
Saudis Expand Oil War Against Russia into Europe
Saudi Arabia is fighting for market share and punishing Russia for supporting Bashar Assad.
No Good Options: Why America Dithers in Syria
So long as all parties in Syria are determined to destroy each other, America has little reason to get involved.
Why They Come: The Balkans’ Desperation
The geography and history of the Balkans explain why so many seek a better life in Western Europe.