Trump’s not bringing the troops home. He’s been haphazardly deploying more troops, drones, and dollars abroad, while waging a shadow foreign policy for his own benefit.
Trump’s Betrayal of the Kurds Is Terrible, But the Answer Is Not Endless War
It is sickening that the U.S. would deliver the Kurds to Turkish violence, but that doesn’t mean we should embrace the U.S. presence in Syria.
The View from Syria’s Peace Talks
After 13 rounds of talks in Kazakhstan, the parties are aiming small. Still, that’s a lot better than nothing.
Trump Is Expanding America’s Wars, Not Ending Them
He’s failed to deliver his promised withdrawals from Afghanistan and Syria, vetoed an order to get out of Yemen, and expanded the U.S. bombing of Somalia, all while eyeing Iran.
Trump’s at War with U.S. Intelligence — And (for Once) He’s Right
By giving America its dumbest and cruelest wars, the best and brightest left room for a dumber and crueler leader to end them.
Despite Everything, U.S. Troops Should Leave Syria
A small detachment of U.S. troops won’t protect the Kurds from Turkish aggression, but putting conditions on arms transfers might.
Trump and Syria: Even a Broken Clock Is Right Twice a Day
To keep U.S. troops in Syria now implies a forever war, with no realistic ending imaginable, and no authorization from Congress.
Syria’s Long War Will Be Decided in These Three Theaters
A bloody siege looms over Idlib, the U.S. is digging into the east, and conflict between Iran and Israel may put Syria in the crosshairs.
Erdogan Wants to Be Turkey’s Lone Strongman. What If He Gets What He Wants?
The Turkish president may get his win next month, but when trouble comes, he’ll own it.
An Emerging Russia-Turkey-Iran Alliance Could Reshape the Middle East
The unusual triple alliance coming out of Syria could change the regional balance of power and unhinge NATO — if it holds together at all.