US presidential transition adds turmoil to Syria diplomacy
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 | Laura Rozen, Back Channel
As the Syrian regime makes rapid gains to retake rebel-held eastern Aleppo, renewed diplomatic efforts to try to broker a pause in the fighting remain uncertain.
What would fall of Aleppo mean for US Syria policy?
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 | Laura Rozen, Back Channel
If the Syrian regime’s campaign to retake eastern Aleppo succeeds, it could have a profound impact on the incoming US administration’s Syria plans.
Trump talks Middle East plans
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 | Laura Rozen, Back Channel
US President-elect Donald Trump, in a meeting with The New York Times on Nov. 22, discussed many critical matters in the region, including ending the Syrian war and forging Israeli-Palestinian peace.
Trump Cabinet picks could signal fate of US Mideast policy
Monday, Nov. 14, 2016 | Laura Rozen, Back Channel
The fate of the Iran deal and other pressing foreign policy issues may rest with who Donald Trump chooses to advise him and serve in his Cabinet.
US cool to Russia pause in Aleppo strikes
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 | Laura Rozen, Back Channel
Washington expressed skepticism about Russia’s plan to extend a pause in airstrikes on Aleppo until Nov. 4 so those needing medical care and opposition fighters could leave the city.
Who will liberate Raqqa?
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 | Laura Rozen, Back Channel
The United States says a military operation to isolate the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa needs to get underway within weeks, but Turkey as well as Washington’s Syrian Arab allies oppose any plan to use Kurdish forces to take the city.
Mosul adds to staggering world refugee crisis
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 | Laura Rozen, Back Channel
With the highest number of refugees and displaced people since World War II and continued brutal conflicts in Syria, Iraq and beyond forcing millions to flee, humanitarians lament a broken system running from crisis to crisis.