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
US officials say partial lift of Cyprus arms embargo not related to Turkish-Greek tensions Amid ongoing Turkey-Greece tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, US officials maintained the partial lifting of an arms embargo on Cyprus aims to reduce Russian influence and is not a step against Ankara’s recent maneuvers in the region. Turkey
Moscow boosts ties with Tehran as US-Iran tensions escalate While Iran and Russia are trying to limit US influence in the Middle East, the United States lacks the leverage to counter China’s and Russia’s growing influence in the region. Russia
Does Erdogan think Sisi is bluffing in Libya? Trump and Putin can prevent the "Syrianization" of Libya. Egypt
Intel: Russia may be reinforcing Libya’s Sirte ahead of expected offensive The US military has released new aerial surveillance images purporting to show additional Russian military equipment in Libya in the latest sign the Kremlin may be gearing up to help Gen. Khalifa Hifter defend the strategic city of Sirte. Turkey
How has Russia forced Turkey to compromise on Libya? The July 22 Turkish-Russian joint statement on Libya shows Moscow has succeeded in forcing Ankara to compromise. Turkey
Iran talks long-term partnership deal with Russia To mitigate the impacts of the unrelenting US “maximum pressure” policy, Iran seems to be seeking solutions in clinching long-term partnership deals with allies. Russia
Intel: House passes bill forcing Trump to sanction Turkey over Russian missiles The House passed legislation today that would force President Donald Trump to slap sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. Turkey
Will Azeri-Armenian flare-up change energy game in South Caucasus? Azeri-Armenian clashes in the strategically significant Tavush area could be the harbinger of tectonic changes in the energy politics in the South Caucasus, Turkey and Iran. Turkey
Is Erdogan after a Caucasus adventure? Ankara’s harsh outbursts in favor of Baku in Azerbaijan’s rekindled conflict with Armenia might be aimed at domestic consumption as well as pressuring Russia into concessions in Libya and Syria. Turkey
Putin, Mohamed bin Zayed seek to reclaim common ground on Libya The Russian and UAE leaders spoke Wednesday about the path ahead in Libya, seeking to minimize differences and recharge the political process. Libya
Turkey gears up for tougher challenge in Libya as conflict heats up Despite cease-fire calls in Libya, Turkey and its allies might be readying for a push toward the strategically important areas of Sirte and al-Jufra next month. Turkey
UN report on Libya mercenaries 'unfounded,' says Russia A Foreign Ministry official dismissed the findings of the report on Wagner Group's operations in Libya and called for an investigation into why it was leaked. Libya
