Russia’s Putin hosts Saddam Hifter amid instability in Libya: What to know Moscow has built a strong relationship with Libya’s eastern camp, as Washington and Ankara pursue efforts to reunify the country’s political and military institutions. Libya
New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
Iran signs 25 deals at SCO meeting: What to know Iran's foreign minister urged members of the China and Russia-led bloc to focus more on economic development, while host Kyrgyzstan said progress was a made toward an SCO development blank. Iran
Feature Armenia's Pashinyan keeps Iran close while wooing Trump, Turkey and Azerbaijan By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Bahrain FM Zayani takes shelter during Ukraine visit amid Russia's bombing A senior diplomatic source told Al-Monitor that Zayani “experienced the shelter life” in Kyiv on Wednesday and Thursday nights, a reference to the bomb shelters used by Ukraine to protect from Russian bombing. Legacy: Gulf
Syria’s Kurds turn to UAE to ease tensions with Assad An alleged trip to the UAE capital by Syrian Democratic Forces chief Mazloum Kobane, which Emirati officials deny, came just before he was targeted by a Turkish drone last month. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's SAIPA signs $497 million car deal with Russia, Belarus Iranian carmaker SAIPA will export vehicles to Belarus and Russia following a similar agreement with Venezuela. Iran
Yacht carrying Russians, Egyptians goes missing off Yemen coast The yacht’s owner says the crew sent a distress call about a pirate attack. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Analysis What role will Middle East play in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction? Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there has been a raft of commitments from Western allies to help rebuild the war-torn state, but few from the Middle East. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis France alarmed over Wagner’s role in Sudan as Russia expands in Africa Following instances of instability in Mali and Burkina Faso that saw Russia's influence rise in Africa, France is closely working with Egypt to reach a cease-fire and avoid similar scenario in Sudan. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
In UAE, Brazil’s Lula looks east for climate investments, peace brokering President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva looks to exert Brazil's power in a geopolitical landscape that has significantly shifted since he last held office. Legacy: Gulf
Moldova court doubles prison sentence of pro-Russia politician hiding in Israel A Moldovan appeals court has upheld the conviction of Israeli-Moldovan Ilan Shor and doubled his sentence for fraud and breach of trust. Israel
UAE will not ‘jeopardize’ rules to attract Russian wealth: Trade minister The Emirates has been criticized for hosting companies engaged in sanctions-busting following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but is making efforts to clean up its act. Legacy: Gulf
Iran, Russia, China FMs meet, see opportunity in post-US Afghanistan The summit in Uzbekistan brought together regional powers who have been competing in the vacuum left by the US departure from Afghanistan. Iran
Here are the biggest Middle East disclosures in the leaked intel docs Turkey, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are among the Middle East countries named in a major leak of classified US intelligence documents. Turkey
US approves $524 million HIMARS artillery sale to Morocco The proposed sale, which also includes guided air-to-ground bombs, comes as Morocco draws closer to the United States and rival Algeria pursues stronger ties with Russia. Morocco
