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 Putin's Iran diplomacy faces limits as Russia eyes Ukraine concessions As US-Iran tensions escalate, Russia is stepping up mediation efforts, hoping to gain leverage with Washington over Ukraine despite its limited influence on Tehran. By Anton Mardasov
Analysis How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Pragmatic politics: Why Turkey avoids blaming Russia for Black Sea attacks By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Moscow sees opportunity in Iraq instability Moscow is continuing arms sales to Iraq and pursuing a policy that may allow it to weaken US influence in the country. Iraq
Russia urges Syria to surrender chemical arms to avert strikes Russia announced that it has given a proposal to the Syrian Government which would require the Syrian regime to place their chemical weapons under international control and allow their subsequent destruction. Syria
Obama, Putin previously discussed plan to secure Syria chemical arms US and Russian officials confirmed that discussions over securing Syria's chemical arms had been talking place for months before the alleged August chemical attack. Syria
Framework text: US, Russia reach deal to remove Syria chemical arms After three days of negotiations in Geneva Russia and the US have reached an agreement under which Syria would declare all of its chemical weapons sites within seven days and have all of its chemical weapons destroyed or removed by mid 2014. Syria
Moscow treads lightly in Gaza Though Moscow undoubtedly disapproves of Israel’s harsh actions in Gaza, it's being careful not to take an anti-Israel stance. Palestine
Russia banks on Syrian unity As Moscow grapples with the changes in the region, it continues to support an inclusive peace process in Syria. Iraq
Chechen extremists threaten Jordan King Abdullah’s unusual visit to the Chechen Republic is a sign of the threat Chechen militants pose to Jordan and the region. Jordan
Russia will not be a spoiler in Iraq The United States should not expect much help from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Iraq
Russia, Qatar compete in natural gas market Russia and Qatar differ on Syria but are considering means of mitigating their natural gas rivalry in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. Qatar
Putin brings China into Middle East strategy Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China highlights the convergence of interests of Moscow and Beijing in the Middle East. Russia
Hamas sees Russia visit as means to end regional isolation Hamas political bureau leader Khaled Meshaal will visit Moscow in the coming weeks, where he is expected to ask Russia to help restore Hamas' ties with Iran and to pressure Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to soften his opposition to the Islamist movement. Palestine
