Ideas
Counting the Dead in Mosul
The civilian death toll in the fight against ISIS is far higher than official estimates.
Policy
Trump's 'Very Soon' Withdrawal From Syria Is Exactly What Many Troops Feared
What the president said is exactly what some special operations forces worried would happen — under President Hillary Clinton.
Threats
The War in Iraq Isn’t Done. Commanders Explain Why and What's Next
Senior US and Iraq officers say the 15-year fight isn’t quite finished and they need to ensure that another ISIS can’t rise.
Ideas
Russia's Favorite Syrian Warlord
Brigadier General Suheil al-Hassan has won over Putin and played a central role in the assault on eastern Ghouta.
Ideas
The US Will Spend $500M on Syrian Kurds This Year. For What?
The Trump administration is embarking on a state-building project with no clear strategy, benchmarks, or goals.
Threats
When the Islamic State Came to Libya
Since the fall of Qaddafi, the war-torn country’s militias have sought to contain extremism. But at what cost?
Ideas
The US Must Stop Turkey Now
Americans are wrong to placate Erdogan and permit his attacks on northern Syria. Here's how Washington can get it right.
Ideas
Inside The World's Most Radical Experiment in Women’s Rights
The women’s movement in northern Syria is more like a women’s earthquake, in politics, governance, and the region's security.
Threats
US General to Turkey: We’re Not Pulling Back
Gen. Votel said the U.S. recognizes its NATO ally's concerns but won't abandon the coalition of Syrian Democratic Forces fighting ISIS on the world's behalf.
Threats
How Turkey Twisted Three Words Into a Pretext for Invasion
Ankara said a U.S. plan to train some Syrian Kurds was a threat. So it sent tanks and artillery to kill some others.
Threats
SPECIAL REPORT: In Shattered Raqqa, Top US General Calls for the World’s Help
Votel assures SDF fighters the U.S. will remain committed to them, but bringing this Syrian city back to life will take more than the troops who liberated it can give.
Threats
A New American Leader Rises in ISIS
A two-year investigation identifies one of the very few Americans in the Islamic State’s upper ranks—and sheds light on the dynamics of radicalization.
Threats
The Remarkable Resilience of the Prime Minister of Iraq
In December, Haider al-Abadi declared victory over ISIS. But with Iranian militias still to contend with and tensions with the Kurds high, challenges to peace remain.
Threats
ISIS in Afghanistan Is Like a Balloon That Won't Pop
Thursday’s fatal attack in Kabul highlights the group’s resilience.
Ideas
Don't Raise a New Year's Toast for Defeating ISIS Just Yet
Now we must address America's ambiguity on Syria and the Kurds.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon’s New Artificial Intelligence Is Already Hunting Terrorists
After less than eight months of development, the algorithms are helping intel analysts exploit drone video over the battlefield.
Threats
Turkey Tells US To Withdraw Weapons, Support for Syrian Rebels
In Washington, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim rejected the U.S. desire to keep supporting Syrian Kurdish rebel forces even after ISIS is finished.
Ideas
Give ISIS Fighters Due Process
'Even in victory and when stung by injury,' we must hold to the law — lest we grant extremists a victory of their own.
Threats
What the Attack in New York Revealed About the Islamic State's Supporters
As ISIS loses territory, the greatest danger remains that more competent fighters will return home.
Ideas
Ash Carter: Behind the Plan to Defeat ISIS
To its credit, the Trump administration followed the path we set in the Obama administration.
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