If 2018 was a year marked by international challenges that percolated but did not boil over into full-blown crises, next year may well be the year in which that good fortune runs out.

The 7-foot center Enes Kanter has become a symbol of Turkey's never-ending purge—and a potential assassination target.

Iran poses an acute threat to oil infrastructure across the Middle East, potentially allowing it to extort concessions from world powers.    

The Kurds have no choice but to always trust the United States—and to suffer the inevitable consequences.