Author Archive

Bernard Gwertzman

Bernard Gwertzman
Bernard Gwertzman is a consulting editor at the Council on Foreign Relations
Ideas

US No Longer ‘Allergic’ To Iranian Role in Syrian Solution

A former US ambassador to Syria spies a subtle shift in US thinking about a way forward in the wartorn country.

Threats

What Is Putin's Next Move in Ukraine?

Vladimir Putin's annual state of the nation address raised more questions than it answered. Interview by Bernard Gwertzman

Policy

Is the Special Relationship Between the US and Egypt Over?

Too much mistrust has built up between Washington and Cairo for the partnership to return to business as usual. By Bernard Gwertzman

Ideas

Q&A: Ryan Crocker on Iraq's Role in the Long War Against ISIL

The former ambassador says the Iraqi army is far from finished, but they'll need U.S. special forces with them to help take back provincial capitals like Ramadi. By Bernard Gwertzman

Ideas

The Putin Moment Is Passing

Russia expert Kimberly Marten of Barnard College, Columbia University, parses what course is available to Russian President Vladimir Putin 4 months after his annexation of Crimea. By Bernard Gwertzman

Ideas

The Difficult and Probably Only Answer to Iraq and Syria's Problems

Former State and Defense Department official Leslie Gelb sees a way to counter the ISIL wedge that's prying Iraq and the region apart at its seams. It's not easy, but it just might be the most realistic way forward. Interview by Bernard Gwertzman

Threats

Here's a Helpful Guide to the Taliban

At a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday on the release of Sgt. Bergdahl, there was some confusion over who exactly is the Taliban. Here's everything you need to know. By Bernard Gwertzman

Policy

Why Saudi Arabia's (Still) Upset with Obama over Iran, Syria and Egypt

Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia 'didn't solve' serious differences. By Bernard Gwertzman

Threats

Q&A with Dennis Ross: How Ukraine Affects the Middle East

Veteran diplomat Dennis Ross says the U.S. response to Ukraine will have strong reverberations across the Middle East. By Bernard Gwertzman

Policy

Report Card: The State of Syrian Peace Talks

The Stimson Center's Mona Yacoubian breaks down the Geneva talks and Syria's chances for peace. By Bernard Gwertzman

Threats

The U.S. Dilemma in Egypt

There's a lot of worry in the United States that Egypt is going down a path of persistent instability. By Bernard Gwertzman

Threats

What It's Like on the Ground in Iraq Today

In an interview, veteran journalist Jane Arraf says Syrian fighters are crossing the border at will and Anbar's deep sectarian divisions are growing in Baghdad.

Threats

Is This the Best Option for Syria?

CFR President emeritus Les Gelb argues that the U.S. should pressure moderate rebels to work, at least temporarily, with the Assad regime in defeating the hard-line Islamists—the 'biggest threat' to both sides. By Bernard Gwertzman

Policy

Are U.S.-Turkey Relations Fraying?

Between Turkey's decision to buy a Chinese missile defense system, and divergence on policy towards Syria, ties between Ankara and Washington are quickly chilling. By Bernard Gwertzman