Starting this week, TNI’s Managing Editor, Harry Kazianis, will select the day’s top foreign policy, national security, and defense articles for your reading pleasure. From the latest crisis in Syria or the Middle East, to China’s rise, to important matters of U.S. foreign policy, TNI has you covered.

What you need to know for Thursday 9/19:

Pravda: Russian’s Deserve Better Than Putin - Senator John McCain responds to Russian President Putin’s New York Times op-ed.

From the op-ed: “President Putin doesn't believe in these values because he doesn't believe in you. He doesn't believe that human nature at liberty can rise above its weaknesses and build just, peaceful, prosperous societies. Or, at least, he doesn't believe Russians can. So he rules by using those weaknesses, by corruption, repression and violence. He rules for himself, not you.

I do believe in you. I believe in your capacity for self-government and your desire for justice and opportunity. I believe in the greatness of the Russian people, who suffered enormously and fought bravely against terrible adversity to save your nation. I believe in your right to make a civilization worthy of your dreams and sacrifices. When I criticize your government, it is not because I am anti-Russian. It is because I believe you deserve a government that believes in you and answers to you. And, I long for the day when you have it.”

Washington Post: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Effort to Seek peace with Pakistani Taliban off to Rocky Start

New York Times: Through Diplomacy, Obama Finds a Pen Pal in Iran

Foreign Policy: Rebel vs. Rebel - “Syrian jihadi groups are now kidnapping and killing one another. Is this the beginning of an all out war, or an opportunity for the moderates?”

Foreign Affairs: The Sleepwalking Giant - Germany’s Boring Election is Bad News For Europe

The Atlantic: Does Syria Represent Obama's Final Pivot Away From the Middle East? - “The decision not to intervene may signal a broader strategic shift away from the region.”

Image: Wikicommons