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In: Donald Trump, Syria, Turkey

Syria is just the latest example of why we must take advantage of the opportunity a post-Trump world presents to rethink our foreign policy from the ground up. American interests are best served by working with allies and promoting international law and human rights. That’s a far cry from what U.S. foreign policy has been, but those are ideals most Americans would support.Continue Reading

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In: Golan Heights, Syria

Trump’s decision destroys the negotiating basis for any future peace between Israel and Syria. It lays the groundwork for a return to a world without territorial integrity for smaller, weaker countries. That’s a tragedy. Doing all of this just so Netanyahu can get re-elected—and so the Christian Broadcasting Network can imply that Trump is, in the words of Elwood Blues, “on a mission from God”—makes Trump’s announcement almost comically stupid. But it’s far too dangerous to laugh at.

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In: Donald Trump, Syria

Had Washington made an effort since the last time Trump promised to quit Syria to pursue diplomatic and military channels and prepare the ground for a U.S. departure, this might indeed be a day to celebrate. But that’s not Trump’s way. He acts on his whims, and if lives are destroyed by the hundreds or even thousands as a result, they don’t matter to him anyway. That’s what’s happening here. Continue Reading

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In: Bibi Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Iran, Syria

As laughable as Netanyahu’s attempt to re-package old news into something new might appear, it’s best to view it with the utmost gravity. This is about more than the nuclear deal. Washington and Jerusalem, with the silent support of Riyadh and other key actors in the region, are united in their goal of regime change in Iran. Changing their course is not impossible, but the work will be difficult and must begin immediately.Continue Reading

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In: Syria

This is a long term struggle, and if there is to be a useful forum where the will of the Syrian people can assert itself, the international community must begin to build the strategy and the incentives and disincentives to create it, starting now.Continue Reading