Syria: Time to Reassess American Strategic View of the Middle East

by Emile Nakhleh Could the unrelenting Russian-Syrian air strikes against the people of Aleppo have been avoided on such a horrendous scale? The Obama administration’s changed view of the Middle East and downplaying of the significance of the region in American… Continue Reading

Syria: Ceasefire Efforts Cease

by Mark N. Katz On October 3, the State Department announced the suspension of U.S. efforts to work with Russia to bring about a ceasefire in Syria. This is in sharp contrast to just a few weeks ago in September when… Continue Reading

U.S. Special Operations Command Details Dismal U.S. Military Record

by Nick Turse Winning: it’s written into the DNA of the U.S.A.  After all, what’s more American than football legend Vince Lombardi’s famous (if purloined) maxim: “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”? Americans expect to be number one.  First Lady Michelle… Continue Reading

Congress’ DIY Approach to Saudi Arabia

by Diana Ohlbaum If there were a “basket of deplorables” for foreign countries, Saudi Arabia would surely be in it. The Saudi government holds one of the world’s worst records on religious freedom and women’s rights, and harbors one of… Continue Reading