Atlantic Council blogs

The United Nation’s Failure is Not de Mistura’s Fault

By Daniel R. DePetris

On December 19, the United Nations Security Council managed to do something on Syria that it has rarely been able to do over the past six years: pass a binding resolution with the unanimous support of all five permanent members.  Indeed, the Security Council has been so deadlocked over the Syria question that even a […]

Norway, an Exemplar of NATO Burden-Sharing

By Sigurd Neubauer, Foreign Affairs

Norway has certainly benefitted from U.S. security guarantees and has, in the process, transformed itself from an impoverished nation, at the end of World War II, to one of the world’s richest today.

Advising Trump on Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The incoming president and his national security team suffer no shortage of free advice on a full range of national security and foreign policy issues. Syria is no exception. Prospective senior officials are sipping from the proverbial fire hose preparing for January 20th. What do they need to know now, especially in the wake of […]

Senators Reassure Wary Baltic Nations That U.S. Won’t Abandon NATO

By Sewell Chan, New Yorl Times

Three American senators arrived in Tallinn, Estonia on Tuesday to reassure the Baltic nations that the United States remained committed to their defense and to the NATO alliance.

2016: The Year in Review

Here’s a look at some of our top content from 2016.

After the Loss of Aleppo, the Military Opposition is under Pressure to Reconfigure Itself

By Hosam al-Jablawi

The victories of the Syrian opposition forces came to an end with their taking of the city of Idlib over a year and a half ago. After the Russian military intervention on behalf of the Syrian regime, these forces have turned to defending their own areas. Since that time, they have lost key regions—the most […]

How the Regime Capturing East Aleppo is Affecting Syria’s Salafi-Jihadist Scene

By Mona Alami

The regime retaking east Aleppo and decreased support from Turkey for Syria’s rebels is having a deep impact on Syria’s Salafi-jihadi scene. In the last couple of weeks, several statements, leaks, and information from other Islamist groups point to internal struggles in Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. In both cases, the power struggles within […]

Brazil Braces for Another Tumultuous Year

By Ricardo Sennes

Throughout 2016, Brazilians and foreigners alike kept stating—and hoping—that 2017 would bring more stability, allowing Brazil to reform and grow its economy. But those of us who thought we were heading into calmer waters will have to think again. The new year is gearing up to be another tumultuous one for Brazil, in spite of […]

US-Romania Ties in Need of an Upgrade

By Radu Magdin

There are several reasons why Donald Trump’s administration must upgrade the relationship with Romania—an important US partner in Eastern Europe. Romania is an enduring friend and ally—from a cultural, security, and military standpoint—and offers a wealth of economic opportunities. It aspires to be more present on Washington’s strategic radar, and particularly on the agenda of […]