“His jets patrol Syrian skies. His military is expanding operations at the main naval base in Syria. He is forging closer ties to Turkey. He and his Syrian allies are moving into territory being vacated by the United States. And on Tuesday, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia played host to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, for talks on how they and other regional players will divide control of Syria.” NYT: With Syria on the Table, Erdogan Pays Court to Putin.

+ “There is no question that ISIS is one of the big winners in what is happening in Syria.” NYT: ISIS Reaps Gains of U.S. Pullout From Syria.

+ And a little insight into what it’s like running military operations when US policy can turn on a dime (or on a tweet). Pentagon draws up plans for quick Afghanistan withdrawal in case Trump blindsides military.