Iraq’s struggling economy and government corruption sparked the protests, in which hundreds have died. The governing elite appears shaky, and the stability of the country is at stake.

President Trump’s announcement to halt peace talks in Afghanistan gives U.S. negotiators a chance to correct three critical mistakes.

Despite having larger numbers and better equipment than the Taliban, Afghan forces were never strong enough to sustain government control in the absence of U.S. firepower.

The deal signed by U.S. and Taliban officials is dangerously short on levers to prevent a Taliban takeover, but there are still ways Washington can sustain the government in Kabul.