The Negotiators Podcast: How A Finish Diplomat Negotiated the Release of Mothers and Children from Syria
Jussi Tanner spent nearly two years bargaining with the Kurdish-led autonomous government.
Bashar al-Assad’s Unlikely Comeback
Regional governments that once shunned Damascus are mending fences with a murderous regime—showing human rights abusers everywhere how to commit atrocities with impunity.
Assad’s Family Reunion Could Be a Final Victory
By reconciling with an estranged uncle, Syria’s dictator may have definitively reestablished his power.
The Spy Who Could Have Saved Syria
An espionage thriller presents an alternative to former U.S. President Barack Obama’s failed policy toward the Assad regime.
Biden’s Inaction on Syria Risks Normalizing Assad—and His Crimes
The world is gradually accepting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad back into the fold.
The Myth of Moderate Jihadis
The unspoken pact between Washington and anti-Islamic State jihadi groups is a short-sighted move that will reward extremists.
Turkey Capitalizes on Afghanistan Distraction to Attack Kurdish Forces in Syria
Turkish airstrikes in Syria have escalated over the last month as the world concentrates on a different crisis.
The Middle East Is Preparing for the United States’ Exit From Syria
Among Arab countries, the race is on to repair ties with the Assad regime.
Damascus’s False Reconciliation Failed in Daraa
Continuing revolt shows the hollowness of Assadist peace claims.
How the Danish Left Adopted a Far-Right Immigration Policy
In an effort to outflank the populist right, the ruling Social Democrats have adopted one of the harshest refugee policies in the world.
Russia Thwarts U.S. Bid to Expand Syrian Aid Corridors
But the rival powers strike a compromise that prevents catastrophic shut-off of lifesaving aid to Syrians.
Inside the Digital Lives of the Women of the Islamic State
On Telegram, pet care, gardening, and corruption scandals have replaced religious fervor.
Why Was Syria Just Elected to the WHO’s Executive Board?
A regime that bombs hospitals and blocks convoys of baby formula does not deserve a leading role in global health.
Russia’s Wagner Group Doesn’t Actually Exist
And that makes it all the more challenging to get to grips with.
When Humanitarian Aid Becomes a Bargaining Chip
Cross-border access into Syria has become a stress test for Putin and Biden's nascent relationship.
U.S. Strikes Point to Growing Iranian Drone Threat
Pentagon planners had been spotting Iran-backed drone attacks targeting U.S. troops for weeks before the strikes.
America’s Syrian Allies Deserve the COVID-19 Vaccine
They vanquished the Islamic State and are now in desperate need of aid.
How to Close the Gender Gap in Peace Talks
Women’s representation is critical to lasting peace, but they are losing ground at the negotiating table.
‘Responsibility to Protect’ Is One More Casualty of the Syrian War
The conflict’s impact on the world’s ability to prevent atrocities will be felt for years to come.