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
Battle for Aleppo rages on after peace talks suspended Faced with their toughest challenge to date, Syrian rebels are losing ground in Aleppo ahead of the Geneva III peace talks slated to resume Feb. 25. Syria
Obama's anti-IS envoy: Shiites saved Iraq President Obama's envoy praises all sides in a bid to keep the coalition together. Iraq
Will Kerry be able to salvage Syria peace talks? US Secretary of State John Kerry said he was preparing to test Russian seriousness as he and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed possible Syria cease-fire arrangements. Syria
What's next for Syria? As new talks commence on solving the Syria crisis, the international community speculates on what Russia's first move will be. Syria
Iran defends its support for Syria, Iraq Iranian officials and media argue that the fight against terrorists in Syria and Iraq is in defense of Iran. Syria
Russia's Syria dilemma Moscow wants a political settlement to the Syrian war, but its military support, which is resulting in regime victories on the battlefield, could threaten that outcome. Syria
Will he, won't he? Turks ponder whether Erdogan will invade Syria The unhappy Turkish president has many factors to consider if he is contemplating military intervention in Syria. Syria
Why the fall of this Syrian city raises red flags in Jordan The fall of Sheikh Miskin near the Jordanian border has sounded alarms in the kingdom, which is working to beef up security on the border and bracing for a new wave of refugees. Jordan
Is Russia helping the US win in Syria? Russian air power and Syrian forces are pounding terrorists and their allies, while taking a terrible toll on civilians; keep Turkey out of Syria. Syria
Diplomats focus on humanitarian aid first, Syria peace talks second After Syria peace talks in Geneva suspended, diplomats look to world powers to agree on aid access and humanitarian deliverables at a meeting of the International Syria Support Group in Munich on Feb. 11 to try to revive a diplomatic process. Syria
Is Syrian regime's seizure of Sheikh Miskin a tipping point? Aided by Russian air cover, the Syrian regime retook the strategic city of Sheikh Miskin and advanced on numerous other fronts, likely affecting the Geneva III talks. Syria
