Ukraine as Buffer State — Mary Kissel — Kissel articulates core U.S. strategic interests in Ukraine beyond ideological commitments: Ukraine's role as a critical geographic buffer against Russian expansion into Western Europeand its status as a major agricultural producer essential for global food security and economic stability. Kissel defends U.S. diplomatic engagement with Syrian leader Al-Sharaa, arguing that countering Russian regional influence in Syriajustifies negotiating with new Damascus authorities. Kissel expresses skepticism regarding whether Al-Sharaa will fulfill counter-terrorism commitments following receipt of U.S. sanctions relief, highlighting the perennial tension between incentivizing behavioral change and verification of compliance.
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