The step signals a major shift in American policy and ends months of resistance by Pentagon officials who feared setting a precedent that could pave the way for the court to prosecute U.S. troops.
Under a previous arrangement, the U.N. and other aid agencies had Security Council approval to deliver humanitarian aid to Syria’s northern areas. That agreement, in place since 2014, fell apart two days ago.
Xi Jinping wants to insulate China from perceived threats from the West. He also wants to promote the country as deserving of foreign investment and clout. Can he do both?
The White House, Congress, the military and the intelligence agencies see the war as a lesson in failed policymaking, one deeply absorbed if not thoroughly learned.