EXCERPT

U.S. strategy in Syria has long been plagued by short-term thinking, while Russia, Turkey, and Iran played a long game. Trump’s betrayal of the Kurds is just the latest chapter in Washington’s bungled approach to the region.

Defining “us” and “them” is crucial for the success of far-right parties, and the boundaries are constantly shifting.

China's use of sharp power could shatter East Asia.

Battles over mining sand in India are only the beginning.

Putin’s propaganda portrayed Ukraine as a fascist state filled with anti-Semites. Despite Ukrainians’ election of a Jewish president, the image has stuck.

South Sudan was born amid great hope but has since descended into war. It will take a new generation of leaders to make it a successful state.

Liberals shouldn’t leave emotion to the right-wing populists.

Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged a new dawn as president, but the secretary-general of his own party has built a web of corruption that thrives on darkness.

In the world’s biggest democracy, good politics often have nothing to do with good economics.

Saudi Arabia is fighting for a dangerous monopoly on Islamic thought.

The U.S. military has long relied on women to entertain the troops. Here’s how that’s slowly changing.

Russia’s best killers learned their skills fighting Moscow.