Policy

Macron Mic-Drops on Trump, Offers a New Call to Western Leadership

Defending multilateralism and democracy, the French president gave the best political speech America has seen in years.

Policy

The Politics of Hating (And Loving) France

From freedom fries to fast friends, after the Macron visit will Republicans who choose to stand with Trump continue to stand with France? The war on terrorism may depend on it.

Threats

If Trump Won't Lead in Syria, Someone Else Will

Unless the president can articulate and lead a plan, Syria’s future will be determined by Russia, Iran, and Turkey.

Threats

Trump Reverses, Says He’ll Keep US Troops in Syria

The president officially walked back last week’s off-the-cuff remark that the U.S. would leave Syria ‘very soon,’ leaving even more questions about the mission.

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.

Threats

Russia ‘Incredibly Destabilizing’ as Syrian Conflict Threatens Region, Top US General Warns

Weeks after Tillerson said the U.S. and Russia share a postwar vision, Votel says Moscow is playing both “arsonist and firefighter.”

Threats

US-Backed Syrian Force Holding ‘Hundreds’ of ISIS Foreign Fighters

A day after CENTCOM'S leader says they should face prosecution at home, Trump hints at Gitmo option.

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

Turkey’s Attack on Kurds Tops US Concerns in Syria, Even as ISIS Keeps Fighting

Over the past three days, the leader of U.S. Central Command and other American military commanders in the region have sounded increasingly alarmed.

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.

Policy

Mattis: Pentagon Shifting Focus to Great Power Competition — ‘Not Terrorism’

The first national defense strategy in 10 years puts on paper what Mattis, McMaster have signaled for months: the U.S. is refocused on China and Russia.

Ideas

Where We're Headed in 2018

You can bet there will be new crises, weapons, leaders, and technologies to come. And, oh yes, there will be tweets.

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

Four New Questions For Trump on Syria

The ISIS fight is nearly over, military leaders say. Is the United States ready to lead what happens next?