Reality Check

Both countries are, in different ways, challenging the status quo in Europe.

Western powers made clear that they would hold Russia partly responsible for Assad’s actions.

Direct intervention is not an appealing option for Trump, but the creation of uncertainty is.

The U.S. doesn’t have to use its military to influence global events.

Japan went without a dedicated amphibious force since World War II – until last weekend.

The Israelis won’t tolerate a permanent Iranian presence in Syria.

Viktor Orban is not an outlier but a forerunner.

In a strange way, the U.S. is the thread holding together Russia, Iran and Turkey, if only temporarily.

Developments in the region are rarely internal affairs.

The world is inching toward a new competition as a dominant power is challenged by other powers seeking to defend or achieve their national interests.

Ankara has to keep an eye on multiple threats at the same time.

For all the talk of Iranian nuclear weapons, this is an early stage of the real Iranian threat – a war of attrition against Israel.