Former Middle East Commander Cautions Against Syria War
Retired general James Mattis warns lawmakers that intervention in Syria’s civil war won’t be quick and easy.
Military
American, British Army Chiefs Pessimistic About Syrian Rebels
America’s and Britain’s top military officials fear the tide in Syria’s civil war is shifting in the regime’s favor.
Dutch Move Toward Final Decision on F-35 Fighter Jet
The coalition government is reportedly close to a compromise on replacing its F-16s.
Alleged Chemical Weapons Use Was Excuse to Arm Syria’s Rebels
The decision to send American weapons into Syria was made weeks ago.
Obama to Consider Deeper Involvement in Syria’s Civil War
The president meets with senior national security officials to discuss his options in Syria.
Germany’s Merkel Drawn into Drone Procurement Scandal
The chancellor can no longer ignore a controversy about the procurement of unmanned aircraft.
Battle for Qusayr, Syria Has Sectarian, Strategic Imperatives
Retaking Qusayr is essential if the Assad regime intends to carve out an Alawite state in the northwest.
Ambassador: Russia’s Arms Sales to Syria Provide “Stability”
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations defends his nation’s continued support for the Syrian regime.
After Weapons Embargo Lifted, Austria Reconsiders Golan Mission
Austria’s foreign minister is afraid that its peacekeepers won’t be seen as a “neutral party” anymore.
Republican Lawmakers Divided Over Arming Syrian Rebels
Some call for American leadership. Other fear propping up an Islamist insurgency.
Syria Threatens War After Israel Conducts Airstrikes
Assad needs all his manpower and resources to fight his internal enemies, however.
Despite Interventions, Libyan, Malian Islamist Threat Rising
Governments in the Maghreb seem unable to contain the regionwide insurgency.
Neighbors, West Accuse Syria of Chemical Weapons Use
Syrian army forces might have repeatedly crossed the United States’ “red line.”
Pentagon Hopes Asian Allies Drive F-35’s Costs Down
The Defense Department plans to sell stealth fighters to Singapore and South Korea.
France Extends Mali Mission, Army Training Underfunded
France commits to Mali’s counterinsurgency but the army there is in a shambles.