Russia Helps Assad Reconquer Syria’s Heartland
Russian airstrikes are enabling the regime to retake territory from Syria’s least fanatical rebels.
Military
British Lawmakers Back Strikes Against Islamists
David Cameron wins support for military action — and splits the opposition Labour Party.
The Geopolitics That Allowed Turkey to Down a Russian Jet
NATO has Turkey’s back, but its brazenness surely raises doubts in Western capitals.
Why Did Turkey Shoot Down That Russian Jet?
Turkey may have been trying to prevent a unified front being formed to defeat the Islamic State.
Germany Deploys Frigate, Jets to Fight Islamic State
Germany sends a frigate and military planes to help its allies fight the Islamic State in Syria.
NATO Meets After Turkey Shoots Down Russian Jet
NATO convenes an emergency session after Turkey shoots down a Russian military jet.
First French Jets Launch from Aircraft Carrier Near Syria
France carries out its first attacks against the self-declared Islamic State from the Charles de Gaulle.
Britain Boosts Defense, Creates New Strike Brigades
Britain raises military spending and creates two new strike brigades to respond to diverse threats.
France Deploys Carrier to Support War on Islamic State
President François Hollande announces the deployment of France’s only aircraft carrier.
Foreign Deployments Hint at Assad Survival Strategy
The Syrian leader’s protectors send forces to support his regime in the areas it still controls.
Russian Jets Ignore Islamists, Defend Alawite Homeland
Rather than attack the Islamic State, Russia bombs in defense of Bashar Assad’s homeland.
Local Syrian Ceasefire Raises Specter of Ethnic Cleansing
A truce between Islamists and Bashar Assad’s allies involves population transfers in the north and south of Syria.
France to Sell Helicopter Carriers to Egypt
The deal cements France’s growing role as the arms supplier of Western-allied Arab states.
In Alaska, Obama Calls for New Arctic Icebreakers
The president urges funding for ships in an area where America has fallen behind Russia.
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.