Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports Multiple recent reports reveal increased Russian support for Iran, including weapons and intelligence sharing. Iran
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 How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Jordan’s Syria blacklist blasted by key players Wide criticism has already emerged of the Jordanian list of terrorist groups in Syria, and some observers believe the initiative never had a chance. Saudi Arabia
Are mutual feelings of isolation pushing Turkey, Israel closer? It remains unclear whether Ankara’s attempts to normalize ties with Israel represents a new orientation in Turkey’s foreign policy. Near East
Is Iran retreating from Syria? Iranian military commanders have responded to a report from Bloomberg quoting US officials about Iran retreating from Syria. Syria
How much leverage does Russia have in Syria? While the United States and Russia set aside differences to pass a UN Security Council resolution on a political process in Syria, questions remain concerning Moscow's ability to persuade Damascus to accept any future agreement. Syria
What's Saudi's new Islamic coalition really up to? Not a lot is known about Saudi Arabia's newly announced Islamic Military Alliance, leaving observers to ponder its prospects. Saudi Arabia
How Turkey’s foreign affairs 'strongman' left his mark Sources say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s close circle is keen to develop the relationship with Israel in terms of the energy dimension in the wake of the crisis with Russia. Israel
Did Erdogan give up Gaza in return for Israeli gas? Erdogan’s ambition for a presidential system keeps him from dropping the Gaza precondition for the settlement of sour relations with Israel, but this does not stop the two sides from cooperating on natural gas. Palestine
Iraqis dive deeper into sectarianism Regional conflicts and shifting alliances since 2003 have led many Iraqis to view every development through a sectarian lens. Iraq
How American weapons are ending up in the hands of IS A recent report by Amnesty International revealed that the Islamic State’s weaponry includes weapons from dozens of countries. Iraq
Zarif: Iran sees 'mostly negative signals' from US Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in an interview with Al-Monitor, confirmed brief bilateral exchanges with Saudi counterparts and said numerous disagreements remain inside the international Syria support group on a political transition. Saudi Arabia
Will Turkey end up stuck between Kurds, Russia? Observers wonder how long Turkey can juggle a cold war with Russia and a heated conflict with the PKK before the latter two join forces. Syria
Turkey's blurred red line on Russia With recent scuffles between Moscow and Ankara, further instability threatens the Middle East conflict; but will either country really push things that far? Syria
