All Policy Analysis by Dennis Ross

By taking an overcautious approach in Syria, the president has highlighted America's failure to have an open discussion about the real strategic lessons of the Iraq war.

Although creating further distance with the Saudis would be unwise, Riyadh still needs to see that U.S. security commitments are affected when it adds to conflicts rather than containing or resolving them.

No, President Obama didn't set out to promote Russian and Iranian ambitions in the Middle East, but his policies have contributed to strengthening them.

Ironically, most of the Sunni Arab states see Israel as a bulwark against Iran and the Islamic State, so emphasizing those security relationships and restoring the image of American reliability would make it easier to ask more of them on both fronts.

Establishing a safe haven in Syria could press Putin to fight ISIS in earnest, and convince him that protecting Assad will only prolong the war.

A necessary and unprecedented account of America's changing relationship with Israel.

An in-depth conversation with two former senior U.S. officials on the past, present, and future of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

A safe haven along Syria's border with Turkey could involve several partners and send a clear message to Russia and Iran.

His alarmist declarations at the UN won't make a Palestinian state more likely, but now would be an ideal time to quietly probe key Arab and Israeli leaders on whether their converging regional fears can be used to address the Palestinian issue.

Russia and Iran have changed the stakes in Syria, and the United States should act accordingly.