Alexander Decina
Defense One
Washington, DC, United States
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Past articles by Alexander:
Rushing Libya’s Elections Will Lead to Disaster
The country won't be ready for its scheduled elections on Dec. 10. Their failure could engender chaos that could shake the entire region. → Read More
Don’t Think of Syrian Opposition Groups as ‘Moderates’ vs. ‘Extremists’
The United States and its allies ought to think in terms of 'viable partners,’ ‘irreconcilables,’ and ‘unknowns.’ → Read More
Don’t Think of Syrian Opposition Groups as ‘Moderates’ vs. ‘Extremists’
The United States and its allies ought to think in terms of 'viable partners,’ ‘irreconcilables,’ and ‘unknowns.’ → Read More
Don’t Think of Syrian Opposition Groups as ‘Moderates’ vs. ‘Extremists’
Don’t Think of Syrian Opposition Groups as ‘Moderates’ vs. ‘Extremists’ By Alexander Decina October 6, 2017 Since al-Qaeda solidified its grip on Syria’s Idlib province in July, rumors have been circulating about an impending operation against it. Reportedly, Russia, Turkey, and Iran discussed combined military action against al-Qaeda in the province in the September 14-15 Astana talks as a step… → Read More
Is Russia Really with Assad in Syria?
Is Russia Really with Assad in Syria? By Alexander Decina 5:26 PM ET With yet another round of Geneva talks on Syria concluded without meaningful results, Russia’s parallel diplomatic maneuvers continue to overshadow the UN’s efforts. Yet Moscow’s efforts—particularly its “de-escalation plan” to create safe zones for opposition groups backed by Turkey, Gulf states, the U.S. and Europe—are quite… → Read More
Is Russia Really with Assad in Syria?
Moscow appears to be preventing a total Assad victory in a bid to boost its international standing. → Read More
Is Russia Really with Assad in Syria?
Moscow appears to be preventing a total Assad victory in a bid to boost its international standing. → Read More
The Right Way to Confront Iran in Syria
A careful diplomatic approach to Russia’s safe-zone plan is less risky, and more promising, than direct action → Read More
The Right Way to Confront Iran in Syria
A careful diplomatic approach to Russia’s safe-zone plan is less risky, and more promising, than direct action → Read More
The Right Way to Confront Iran in Syria
The Right Way to Confront Iran in Syria By Alexander Decina and Jesse Marks June 5, 2017 The United States is treading a narrow line in southeastern Syria, attempting to counter Iranian expansion without exacerbating the conflict or further embroiling American troops. A recent push by Iranian-backed groups toward a base used by U.S. advisors is elevating the prospects of direct conflict between… → Read More
The Right Way to Confront Iran in Syria
The Right Way to Confront Iran in Syria By Alexander Decina and Jesse Marks June 5, 2017 The United States is treading a narrow line in southeastern Syria, attempting to counter Iranian expansion without exacerbating the conflict or further embroiling American troops. A recent push by Iranian-backed groups toward a base used by U.S. advisors is elevating the prospects of direct conflict between… → Read More
Jesse Marks
Jesse Marks, a Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellow at the nonpartisan Stimson Center, researches civilian protection, stabilization, and peace-building in the Middle East. He has worked with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the Jordan Center for Strategic Studies in Amman, Jordan. → Read More
Can Russian Safe Zones Solve Syria?
If a potential negotiated solution to the Syrian conflict exists, something in the spirit of Russia’s plan for decentralization and ceasefires might be it. → Read More
Can Russian Safe Zones Solve Syria?
If a potential negotiated solution to the Syrian conflict exists, something in the spirit of Russia’s plan for decentralization and ceasefires might be it. → Read More
Can Russian Safe Zones Solve Syria?
Can Russian Safe Zones Solve Syria? By Alexander Decina and Jesse Marks May 5, 2017 If there was any doubt the Russians are now leading diplomatic efforts on Syria, the latest round of Astana talks made it abundantly clear. On May 4, Russia reached an agreement with Turkey and Iran to create safe zones — “de-escalation zones,” in the parlance — beginning at midnight the following day. Located in… → Read More
We’re Ignoring the Best Bad Option for Syria
We’re Ignoring the Best Bad Option for Syria By Alexander Decina 3:09 PM ET Last year, there was no shortage of red-tinted profile pictures, “Stand with Aleppo” tweets, and op-ed after op-ed insisting that the international community could not stand by and let Syria’s second-largest city fall to the Assad regime. Once eastern Aleppo did fall in December, critics proclaimed it the hallmark of a… → Read More
We’re Ignoring the Best Bad Option for Syria
A frozen conflict would give the country space to begin rebuilding. → Read More
We’re Ignoring the Best Bad Option for Syria
A frozen conflict would give the country space to begin rebuilding. → Read More
Violently Ousting Assad Won't Solve Anything in Syria
It is hardly surprising to hear calls for more U.S. action, but what happens next? → Read More
Violently Ousting Assad Won't Solve Anything in Syria
It is hardly surprising to hear calls for more U.S. action, but what happens next? → Read More