The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Trouble Is Brewing in Syria
English Summary
The article highlights a dramatic and unexpected political transformation in Syria, defying traditional geopolitical predictions of instability. This shift is exemplified by Ahmed al-Shara, a former extremist, who has not only overthrown a decades-old dictatorship but has also achieved remarkable international rehabilitation. His success includes convincing Western powers to lift sanctions, securing billions in foreign investment, and joining the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS. These developments suggest that Syria is rapidly pivoting toward a period of stabilization and deep integration into global economic and security frameworks, necessitating a reassessment of regional policy.
中文摘要
本文強調敘利亞經歷了一場戲劇性且出乎意料的政治轉型，挑戰了傳統地緣政治對其不穩定的預測。這一轉變以前極端分子艾哈邁德·阿爾·沙拉（Ahmed al-Shara）為例。他不僅推翻了一個數十年來存在的獨裁政權，更取得了顯著的國際復原。他的成功包括說服西方國家解除制裁、確保了數十億美元的外國投資，並加入了美國主導的反伊斯蘭國會戰聯盟。這些發展表明，敘利亞正迅速轉向一個穩定期，並深度融入全球經濟和安全框架，這有必要對區域政策進行重新評估。
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