Trump

Trump administration scrambles to salvage US troop presence in Syria

President Trump says he would leave some US troops in Syria to keep the Assad regime and Iranian forces away from oil fields; the Syrian Democratic Forces commander speaks with both Trump and the Russian army chief of staff.

Iraq

US faces new facts on the ground as cease-fire expires

Russia and Turkey strike a deal on a safe zone as the Syrian Democratic Forces told the Donald Trump administration that Kurdish forces had withdrawn from the Turkish border today in accord with a US-brokered agreement.

Iraq

Turkey, Russia both claim win in Syria agreement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to get what he wants regarding the Kurdish People's Protection Units, and Russia appears to gain yet more influence in Syria; has Idlib become a pawn in Turkish-Russian negotiations?

Iraq

Congress calls on US to scout nuclear alternatives to Turkey base

Congress has tucked a provision into a bill to sanction Turkey for its two-week incursion into northern Syria that would study the possibility of removing US nuclear weapons and troops from Incirlik Air Base.

Syria

Trump's Syria pullout divides Iran hawks

Despite bipartisan rebuke, some see great benefits in fixing ties with Turkey.

Iraq

Why Trump’s sanctions failed to shock Turkey’s economy

Despite a series of threats to “destroy” Turkey’s economy, Trump’s sanctions against Ankara have failed to trigger a currency shock like the one last year, owing to reasons related to the contraction of the Turkish economy.

Turkey

Why Russia isn't bothered by US-Turkey agreement on Syria

Russia, which has been conducting its own whirlwind diplomacy this week, wasn't disturbed by the US-Turkey deal over northern Syria.

Legacy: Gulf

Pakistan hopes to ease hostility between Iran, Saudis

Traveling between Riyadh and Tehran, Pakistan’s prime minister is trying to diplomatically defuse the highly charged situation in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia

Trump touts Syria deal as Congress advances sanctions

A high-level US delegation has worked out a deal to temporarily halt Turkey’s violent weeklong offensive into northern Syria, but many in the Trump administration believe the price the Kurds are paying is too high.

Syria

Turkey’s military operation turning into diplomatic war

As the military front becomes perceptibly static in Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring, the center of gravity shifts to diplomatic front, seemingly catching Ankara underprepared.

Syria

Iran, Saudi Arabia and the 'Trump variable'

Relations between Saudi and Iranian leaders seem to sway precariously from week to week, propelled by a host of outside influences.

Saudi Arabia

Trump announces sanctions against Turkey

The Treasury Department sanctions Turkey's defense, energy, and interior ministers over Turkey's incursion into northern Syria.

Syria