By Daniel DePetris, RealClearDefense: “ ... an indefinite U.S. military presence in Syria would be an endeavor with zero strategic benefit for America.”
Michael Rubin | Washington Examiner
Tensions between Russia and Israel reignited Sunday after Russia’s Defense Ministry issued a harsh critique of Israel’s role in the downing of a Russian plane in Syria last week, despite previous efforts to smooth over the rift. - Washington Post
As the chief backer of Syria’s embattled opposition, Turkey now faces a perilous task. It must disarm its rebel allies in Syria’s Idlib province, under a new agreement with Russia, and eliminate the hardcore jihadists in their midst. - Washington Post
Turkey will take action east of the Euphrates river in Syria and impose secure zones as it has done in the northwest of the country, President Tayyip Erdogan said in comments broadcast on Turkish media on Monday. - Reuters
Two insurgent groups rejected a deal reached this month between Russia and Turkey to establish a demilitarized zone in Syria’s Idlib region with one saying Sunday that the agreement aims to “bury the revolution.” - Associated Press
Assaf Orion, Anna Borshchevskaya, and Matthew Levitt write: In the longer term, the combination of U.S. pressure and Israeli military action could pose a dilemma for Moscow[...]. So long as Iran and its agents—especially foreign fighters—are active in Syria, U.S. policy should be to contain the Assad regime and oppose steps that would strengthen it. - Washington Institute
Maxwell B. Markusen writes: The United States and the international community must shape a new approach to Syria that is focused on the trends that will destabilize Syria far beyond the battle for Idlib. Counterterrorism priorities, humanitarian concerns, economic growth (or lack thereof), and the presence of non-state military forces will determine the levels of future instability and conflict in Syria for years to come. - Center for Strategic and International Studies