The current interim situation between peace and war suits Moscow quite well. On the one hand, continued instability in the Persian Gulf prevents oil prices from falling. On the other hand, the conflict is not escalating into a full-scale war that could threaten other Russian interests. The prospect of an …

The potential upsides of implementing the Trump administration’s poorly conceived idea are negligible at best, while the downsides would be legion, including further damage to Middle East stability and American interests. From the Gaza Riviera to the promised annexation of Greenland to the alienation of India, to neutrality in Ukraine—and …

No matter when and how the war in Ukraine ultimately ends, an aggressive Russia will remain a challenge for the United States and the broader West. In December 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said as much in his speech before the Munich Security Conference. “We are Russia’s next target,” …