Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China US foreign policy appears to be pushing its major adversaries into each others' hands. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jan 20, 2022 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (R) during their meeting in Moscow on Jan. 19, 2022.
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. Kirill Semenov | Russia | Jan 20, 2022
Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jan 18, 2022
Moscow struggles to sell fighter jets in the Mideast With Egypt and Algeria reportedly backing out of plans to acquire Russian-made fighter jets, there is speculation Tehran could emerge as a potential buyer. Kirill Semenov | Iran | Jan 13, 2022
The Takeaway: Iraq takes first steps toward new government: What comes next Updates from our regional correspondents on Turkey, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt; multimedia on Israel and Iran — all in about 1,000 words. Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell | Iraq | Jan 12, 2022
Kazakhstan crisis challenges Turkey's leadership of Turkic union The unrest rattling Kazakhstan has reflected the irrelevance of Turkey and the Organization of Turkic States chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Cengiz Candar | Turkey | Jan 12, 2022
Turkey, Iran react to Kazakhstan unrest Diplomats from both countries have refrained from making powerful statements on the situation in the Central Asian country. Al-Monitor Staff | News Brief | Jan 7, 2022
Why Turkey is in crosshairs of Chechen leader Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s latest threats to Ankara have betrayed the undercurrent tensions between Ankara and Moscow that have been simmering for a while. Fehim Tastekin | Turkey | Dec 30, 2021
Iran says Vienna talks on ‘good path’ Iranian media and officials have expressed optimism over the latest round of nuclear talks. Al-Monitor Staff | Dec 29, 2021
Egypt, Russia partner to ensure food security for Africa Egypt and Russia discussed a partnership between them to establish a logistic free zone in Cairo to store grains, which would greatly contribute to food security in Egypt while also benefiting neighboring countries. Mohammad Hanafi | Egypt | Dec 28, 2021
Kremlin hopes Syria can be a future thorn in NATO's southern flank The longer runway at Khmeimim airbase in Syria gives nuclear-capable bombers a place to land, and is one more move in Russia's plan to expand its capacities in new directions. Anton Mardasov | Russia | Dec 28, 2021
Turkey urges Russia to moderate demands on NATO over Ukraine President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is offering to mediate the crisis, but its not clear Turkey has enough leverage to do so effectively. Al-Monitor Staff | Turkey | Dec 27, 2021
Iran expands economic reach into oil-rich region of Syria Iran exports to Syria are increasing, a sign of an improving economic relation between the two countries. Mohammed Hardan | Syria | Dec 21, 2021
Many hurdles remain for Turkey-Armenia reconciliation As normalization with Armenia remains crucial for Turkey’s broader regional aspirations, there are still major political and psychological stumbling blocks before the process. Fehim Tastekin | Turkey | Dec 17, 2021
Russian movie praises Moscow's war efforts in Syria The Russian movie "Sky" tells the story of a pilot killed after a Turkish jet shot down his bomber over northern Syria. Mohammed Hardan | Syria | Dec 12, 2021
Egyptian archaeologists unwrap Amenhotep I mummy, rewrite history Mohamed Saied | Culture | Jan 8, 2022
Sultan Qaboos’ environmental legacy hits economic roadblock in Oman Sebastian Castelier | Gulf | Jan 7, 2022
Erdogan hopes fence-mending trip to Saudi Arabia eases financial woes Fehim Tastekin | Turkey | Jan 7, 2022
Attacks on US in Iraq meant to send ‘harsh’ message — without spilling blood Ali Hashem (Iran Pulse) | Iraq | Jan 6, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (R) during their meeting in Moscow on Jan. 19, 2022.
