Joining Assad and Russia Against Islamic State Is Foolish
Donald Trump’s pact doesn’t make sense. Neither Assad nor Russia is interested in defeating the Islamists.
Syrian War
As Syria’s Ceasefire Fails, It’s Time to Break Some Stereotypes
Age-old stereotypes about the Middle East do little to help us make sense of the war in Syria today.
The Long, Short and Medium of the Syrian Peace Deal
Russia and the United States have short-, medium- and long-term interests in pacifying Syria.
Turkey’s Intervention in Syria: Why and Why Now?
Why did Turkey chose this moment to drive a wedge between Islamic State and Kurdish militants in Syria?
Assad Shifts Strategy, Attacks Kurdish Rebel Group in Syria
The Syrian dictator has so far left the Kurds alone. What changed his mind is anyone’s guess.
If Assad Captures Aleppo, Then What for the West?
Neither Turkey nor the United States will panic if Aleppo falls. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, might.
Syria Dissenters Unlikely to Persuade Obama
The urge to “do something” is understandable. It’s also not going to change the president’s calculation.
Assad Loyalists Break Ceasefire, Besiege Aleppo
The Syrian regime launches an attempt to retake the opposition’s last remaining stronghold in the north.
Mission Accomplished for Putin in Syria? Yes And No
The intervention managed to keep Bashar Assad in power, but Russia is not out of the woods yet.
Putin Orders Start of Withdrawal from Syria
The Russian leader starts to pull his troops out of Syria after six months.
Why the Free Syrian Army Never Went Anywhere
Relatively moderate and well-educated rebels weren’t numerous enough to lead the Syrian opposition.
Russia Weaponizes Syrian Refugees: NATO
Russia is worsening the refugee crisis out of Syria in order to break Europe’s political will.
Partition Could Make Violence in Syria Worse
Syria may not be put back together again, but partitioning it now would be to invite ethnic cleansing.
Russia Makes Syrian Puzzle Even More Complicated
By backing the Kurds in Syria, Russia is driving a wedge between Turkey and its NATO allies.
Syria Truce Gives Regime Time to Besiege Aleppo
World powers agree that the fighting in Syria must stop — but not for another week.