Syria

The Kremlin is filling the vacuum created by the U.S. retreat from the Middle East—now, with a buffer zone in Idlib.

Despite their differences, Trump and Erodgan share an interest in avoiding a new humanitarian catastrophe in Syria.

The administration is worried about lingering Iranian and Russian influence in Syria.

A top Middle East diplomat’s confirmation has been blocked in the Senate as new Syria strikes loom.

Israel has fully joined the battle in Syria—but it's not clear it can achieve any of its goals there.

Fighters were armed and paid to keep Iranian-linked forces away from Israel’s border.

James Mattis accepts tactical retreats to retain influence with Donald Trump. But the losses are piling up.

The U.S. administration is reluctant to help with Syrian recovery.

The jihadi group has lost nearly all its territory but is still seen as a threat.

But this type of warfare also gives the United States a chance to learn about the latest Russian technology.

Politicians are exploiting a period of relative calm to gamble with the country’s future.

Russia is more important than the United States in averting war between Israel and Syria.

U.S.-Russia relations have reached a generational low—but there’s still room for cooperation to avert a wider war in the Middle East.

Bashar al-Assad won. It’s worth thinking about why the United States didn’t.

Before their Helsinki summit, the U.S. president has given his Russian counterpart little reason to take him seriously.

The United States won’t get everything it wants, but it would be wise to protect Washington’s remaining interests before it’s too late.

Trump must stick to his word and tell Russia to stop violating a critical cease-fire.

The United States wants Russia to help oust Iranian troops from Syria.

Erdogan’s new partner in parliament — the ultranationalist MHP — will make Ankara a more belligerent and intransigent ally.

Short on funding, U.S. and European programs designed to help rebuild after the Islamic State are faltering.