Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 8, 2016

Howard LaFranchi, CSM: In Aleppo, a potential turning point for Syria

The fight over the city of Aleppo is so important that it could recast the six-year Syrian civil war.

WASHINGTON — Aleppo, Syria’s commercial powerhouse and a symbolic rival to the capital Damascus, has been under siege for most of a civil war that is well into its sixth year.

But the intense fighting there now, where the rebels that once dominated the city are fighting to stave off the forces of President Bashar al-Assad, is of a different order.

The outcome, many regional experts say, likely won't end the complex and devastating war that has cost more than 300,000 Syrian lives, displaced millions, and spawned an epic flow of humanity to European shores. But it is likely to determine both the course of the war and the political prospects of both the regime and Syria’s opposition.

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Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 8, 2016

How to increase the pressure on the Syrian government -- Peter Harrell, Politico

AP Explains: Why do US, Iran often face off in Persian Gulf? -- Jon Gambrell, AP

Here’s Why Turkey’s Syria Intervention Is A Huge Gamble -- Borzou Daragahi, Buzz Feed

A New Round in the Great Game Begins -- Rodger Baker, Stratfor

The Taliban’s Mean-as-Hell New Warlord -- Sami Yousafzai, Daily Beast

The History Behind Philippine President Duterte's Obama Insult -- Shelton Woods, Real Clear World

Philippines spat plays into China's hands -- Peter Apps, Reuters

China’s military aggression means the US-Philippines relationship will survive even Duterte’s slurs -- Steve Mollman, Quartz

Hong Kong Election Results: A Challenge to China's Immutability -- Merriden Varrall, Lowy Institute

Russian polling agency is victim as Kremlin opts to shoot the messenger -- Fred Weir, CSM

The Brexit bounce that’s making doom-mongers look foolish -- Ross Clark, The Spectator

Iran Targets Latin America -- Yleem D.S. Poblete, World Affairs

US should embrace a changing Latin America -- Frida Ghitis, CNN

Another Obama Apology Tour? -- Max Boot, Commentary

Strange Allies in the Battle Over Government Secrets -- Eli Lake, Bloomberg

The Global Threat That Went Undiscussed at the G20 Summit -- Dennis Blair, Defense One

An ISIS Plot to Blow Up Notre Dame Cathedral—and Rule the World? -- Michael Weiss, Daily Beast

Quantum Computers Are Coming. The World Might Not Be Ready. -- Bloomberg editorial