Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 29, 2015

Ian Black, The Guardian: Syria crisis: where do the major countries stand?

Efforts to end the war in Syria have been under intense global focus, and were the subject of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UN general assembly in New York. Attention has been galvanised by the refugee crisis in Europe, continuing alarm over Islamic State, and Russia’s deployment of combat aircraft to Syria and its seizure of the initiative to take advantage of US and western disarray. The US, UK and others have subtly shifted positions or sent out mixed messages. Iran and Saudi Arabia, like Russia, are holding firm. It remains hard to see a route out of the bloodshed and deadlock.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 29, 2015

A chilling handshake between Obama and Putin, while Syria disintegrates -- Jonathan Jones, The Guardian

A Gift to Putin -- John E. Herbst, Atlantic Council

Obama has turned Putin into the world’s most powerful leader -- Benny Avni, New York Post

Putin’s New Axis of Resistance: Russia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Hezbollah -- James Miller, Daily Beast

Vladimir Putin steals Barack Obama's thunder on the world stage -- Stephen Collinson, CNN

Putin and Obama Have Profound Differences on Syria -- New York Times editorial

'It's classic Putin': Russia's big move in the Middle East goes beyond Syria -- Natasha Bertrand, Business Insider

Any review of Syria and Iraq strategy needs realistic reappraisal -- Brian Michael Jenkins, The Hill

United Nations, Divided World: Obama, Putin, and World Order -- Stewart Patrick, Real Clear World/Internationalist

Yemen's south hopes victory over Houthis will bring separation -- Angus McDowall, Reuters

Is the World Paying Attention to Afghanistan Anymore? -- Catherine Putz, The Diplomat

The Battle for Kunduz -- Krishnadev Calamur, The Atlantic

China's $3 Billion Message to the UN: Yes, We Are a Responsible Power -- Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat

War looms in the South Caucasus -- Richard Giragosian, Al Jazeera

Generation ISIS: The Western Millennials Stocking the Terror Army -- Kimberly Dozier, Daily Beast