In Syria, Realism Trumps Idealism
The failures of the Bush Doctrine should have shown that repressive peace is better than instability.
Tag: Syria
Putin’s Power Play: The Real Reason Behind Russian Intervention in Syria
For Putin, fighting ISIS is just a pretext for his larger strategic machinations.
Continue reading Putin’s Power Play: The Real Reason Behind Russian Intervention in Syria
US Aid to Kurdish Peshmerga – A Double-Edged Sword
Despite contrary claims from the US government, the actions of Kurdish Peshmerga in the conflict against ISIS suggest anything but a partnership of reliability and stability.
Continue reading US Aid to Kurdish Peshmerga – A Double-Edged Sword
“We Don’t Negotiate With Terrorists” – The Economics of Hostage Taking
In the past year alone, ISIS has reportedly received over $35 million in ransoms, leading many to question the decision of some states to negotiate with terrorists in order to free kidnapped citizens.
Continue reading “We Don’t Negotiate With Terrorists” – The Economics of Hostage Taking
Why Obama’s AUMF Has Nothing to Do with Legality
President Obama’s recently proposed AUMF against the Islamic State is meant to serve political, not legal, ends.
Continue reading Why Obama’s AUMF Has Nothing to Do with Legality
Divided We Fall – Iraq’s Sectarian Violence Weakens anti-ISIS Effort
With the rise of ISIS, sectarian strife in Iraq and Syria has come to a head. According to Alex Davies, coalition forces in the Middle East must adopt measures to reduce sectarian conflict, or else fight a battle that fails to address the root of the problem.
Continue reading Divided We Fall – Iraq’s Sectarian Violence Weakens anti-ISIS Effort
Why the Answer in Iraq is Not “Cry Havoc”
As the Iraqi government employs largely Shiite militias to counter the Islamic State, it may only be a matter of time before full-scale civil war is reignited in Iraq.
Battle for Kobane: A Test of International Effectiveness
With the Syrian border town of Kobane under siege for the past weeks, calls among the international community have been growing stronger for international intervention to support the town in its fight against IS militants. Chris Rodriguez looks at why Turkey is not likely to play any role in such an intervention, and why the U.S. should.
Continue reading Battle for Kobane: A Test of International Effectiveness
Israel, Desperate for War at any Cost
Over the past few days Israel has conducted multiple unprovoked airstrikes against Syria, including on the capital of Damascus. Though both the Israeli and U.S. governments have refused to officially acknowledge the attacks, the purported pretext has been widely reported.
diplomacist.com 