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The special operations enterprise must become more lethal, effective and efficient, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity conflict.

"The demise of IS is intensifying a scramble among foreign powers in Syria, raising the risk that diverging strategic and commercial interests could lead to a wider regional war."

The U.N. humanitarian chief said Wednesday that a 30-day cease-fire across Syria had not been implemented, and he asked the Security Council when it would be put into effect.

"Ghani's proposal was prepared after months of input from all segments across Afghanistan in an effort to end fighting that's been going for more than 16 years."

Russia started its “humanitarian pause” on Tuesday, but new fighting erupted and there were no signs of civilians leaving the besieged area or aid deliveries arriving.

After 17 years on a treadmill, obviously no good option exists. But to pull out our troops would be to repeat Saigon in 1975.

"Russian former fighters active in both Ukraine and Syria say they fought with such units, which further the Kremlin’s interests but don’t wear Russian uniforms."

"The greatest threat to Farah remains the insurgents’ determination and strength on the battlefield."

"Residents of the Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus spent a seventh consecutive day huddled in shelters as warplanes and artillery pounded the area."

"The Americans responded with a devastating counterattack that the United States said left about 100 dead."

"As the Islamic State clings to its last slivers of territory in Syria, the world is starting to grapple with a problem."

"Leaders in that community want Congress to approve their highest budget request ever made to increase the force by more than 1,000 troops."

"Putin’s mercenaries are bloodied in Syria, as he tries to drive Trump out."

"Russian mercenaries are reported to be in the thick of the fighting in Syria, helping President Bashar al-Assad's forces."

"The Army offered a handful of cash and administrative incentives, but for many, the chance to share and sharpen their skills — and deploy — was motivation enough."

"A new Army unit created specifically to advise and assist conventional foreign military forces has begun deploying to Afghanistan."

Afghanistan’s ministry of defense has announced the creation of a new militia force comprising about 36,000 men to defend areas that military-led operations have cleared.

"Some critics fear that sending a slower, more lightly armored, propeller-driven plane into battle — even in relatively permissive environments — could put pilots at risk."

“More than 16 years after 9/11 spurred a broad fight against terrorism, some Americans say it’s time to look at how the country is deploying its forces.”

Continue on for the introduction and a link to this important ISW report by Lieutenant General James M. Dubik (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Nic Vincent.

In a special report, Reuters has pieced together what happened in Inn Din in the days leading up to the killing of the 10 Rohingya – eight men and two high school students in their late teens.

“It was self-defense. Obviously, we are not getting engaged in the Syrian civil war,” Mattis said.

"No U.S. military members were injured in the clash. One SDF member was wounded."

"The soldiers will fan out across the country in small teams, taking pressure off U.S. units that trained Afghan troops for years on an ad hoc basis, to varying degrees of success."

Continue on for the table of contents and a link to the latest edition of "Special Warfare Magazine".