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
Can Turkey help in Ukraine crisis? Moscow is likely to welcome a Turkish mediation effort if it serves to restrain Ukraine from a military adventure. Turkey
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Abbas seeks Putin’s help to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace process The Palestinian Authority is trying to urge Russia to play a more effective role in the peace process through its position in the international Quartet and to call for an international peace conference. But there are still no serious indications of Russia’s responsiveness. Palestine
Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware. Legacy: Gulf
Intel: Russia displays new fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2021 With the Su-75 Checkmate on display, Russia aims to remind the Emirates and other nations they have options when it comes to fifth-generation fighters. Russia / Mideast
Russia begins restoration of Arc of Triumph in Syria's Palmyra Russia has begun the restoration of the Arch of Triumph, one of the historical landmarks in Palmyra, in cooperation with UNESCO. Syria
Syrian Kurdish commander says Russia opposes further Turkish land grabs Mazlum Kobane, commander in chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, also says Damascus is not yet ready for negotiations. Syria
Russia-Mideast space cooperation still waiting for lift off Moscow has actively resorted to a policy of diplomatic "spamming" — rubber-stamping protocol agreements to imitate the development of cooperation in the field of space. Russia
Sudan coup could offer boon for Moscow Sudan's military coup could hurry along the process of Russia's deeper military involvement in the country. Russia
Intel: Turkey’s Erdogan wants to talk F-35 dispute with Biden in Rome After boasting about future defense ties with Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he's hopeful the United States will sell Turkey more F-16s. Turkey
Iran tests drones amid simmering tensions with Azerbaijan The exercise was held at a time of intensifying hostile rhetoric between Tehran and Baku, as Russia continues its cautious position in between. Iran
