Egypt’s Sisi, Putin meet as Russia steps up Africa push: What to know Wednesday’s meeting comes on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering in Moscow bringing together African leaders and officials. Egypt
Russian satellite data helped Yemen’s Houthis target Saudi Arabia: What to know A report by The Associated Press found evidence that Russian satellites helped Yemen’s Houthis identify and target specific sites, including energy facilities and military bases, in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Putin puts Trump ahead of Iran in bid to mediate war Anton Mardosov, reporting from Moscow, and our correspondent in Tehran assess the limits of Russian influence in Iran; Ben Caspit reports that Netanyahu could force a unity government with an attack on Iran after the elections. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Analysis Putin's Iran diplomacy faces limits as Russia eyes Ukraine concessions As US-Iran tensions escalate, Russia is stepping up mediation efforts, hoping to gain leverage with Washington over Ukraine despite its limited influence on Tehran. By Anton Mardasov
Analysis How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Pragmatic politics: Why Turkey avoids blaming Russia for Black Sea attacks By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Opposition leader implores US not to abandon Syria to Russia and Iran The new leader of the Syrian national coalition shared with Al-Monitor his plans for lobbying the Trump administration during his first visit to Washington. Syria
Putin resets Iraqi energy landscape as Barzani steps aside Russian moves maximize leverage as US stumbles on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units; Massoud Barzani resigns as Kurdistan Region president; Syria and Russia take initiative with regard to local governance in Syria. Iraq
Syrian Kurds focused on federalism The Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum continues to make waves in Syria as the country's Kurds believe they can negotiate with the Syrian government to establish a federal state. Iraq
Business as usual as Iraq's foreign minister visits Moscow In meetings this week, Russian and Iraqi officials discussed energy deals, Baghdad's battle with Iraqi Kurdistan and how those topics intersect. Iraq
How the Syrian army is working to gain control of road to Raqqa The Syrian regime army took control of Hama’s eastern countryside from the Islamic State, which opened a road toward eastern Syria and areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Moscow eyes working with tribes as its next move in Syria Many major players are working to resolve the Syrian civil war, but Russia is finding that some smaller groups — local tribes — could play a significant role. Syria
Iranian officials, media warn against Russian game Iranian media and officials warn parents about Blue Whale, a Russian game that entices players to commit suicide. Russia
Turkey quietly concerned with Russia’s Kurdish policy President Vladimir Putin’s idea for an all-Syria congress incorporating all ethnic groups has raised eyebrows in Ankara. Syria
Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq? Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq." Iraq
Following Islamic State ouster, tribes key to stability in eastern Syria After the ouster of the Islamic State from the oil-rich Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria, several issues are expected to complicate efforts to stabilize the region. Syria
