David Kilcullen

David KilcullenContributing Editor for Military Affairs

Like any operation, the US, French and British strike on Syria had its good, bad and ugly aspects.

Can the Assad regime be suitably punished without an escalation that pits the US directly against Russia or Iran?

The Taliban isn’t about to capture Kabul but nor can it be bombed to the negotiating table.

These are the conflict zones to watch in 2018 as the strongmen fight for dominance.

The wild cards here are two leaders who are incapable of backing down.

The attention of the President is crucial to success.

What we’re seeing is sustained guerilla warfare, not low-level random attacks.

US troops are ready for a North Korean strike. With the continental US itself under direct threat, there may be no other option.

Mosul and Raqqa are crumbling as insurgents retreat into hiding.

Let’s not repeat our mistakes in Afghanistan.