Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2014) Al-Monitor, an independent American media company and news organization dedicated to in-depth coverage and analysis of the Middle East, expands coverage of Russia and the Middle East.

“As the first Russian contributor to Al-Monitor, I am very glad that what started as an occasional piece has turned into full-fledged coverage,” said Fyodor Lukyanov, Chairman of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy in Moscow. “Due to the developments in Ukraine, the importance of such coverage is increasing, as Moscow seems to be entering a period of the most profound change in its foreign policy since the Cold War. The new portal for Russia coverage, where the best Russian contributors are represented, will help readers to understand the logic of the Russian line and foresee what could happen next.”

“As we were planning Al-Monitor’s expanded focus on Russia and the Middle East, we wanted to make sure we anchored the coverage with the best Russian analysts which is why I personally recruited Fyodor and Vitaly,” said Al-Monitor Founder and CEO Jamal Daniel. “With Al-Monitor’s enhanced focus on Russia and the Middle East we have closed the loop on our coverage of the evolving dynamics in the Middle East.”

“When I was first invited to become a columnist for Al-Monitor, I found it extremely attractive and timely and I’m pleased to see it so quickly turn into one of the most popular online resources in the world,” said Vitaly Naumkin, director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences. “Al-Monitor’s quick reaction to developments in the region and diversity of views expressed by the contributors is extremely impressive.”