Should Iran worry about Putin throwing it under the bus?

Iranian officials have always had a pessimistic outlook toward Russia, which could serve them well given the apparent possibility of closer US-Russian relations under Donald Trump.

Syria

Can Aleppo’s displaced survive in Idlib?

Refugees keep flooding into Idlib, Syria, seeking shelter from the civil war but straining the city's resources.

Syria

Russia pleased with deepening US-Turkey rift over Syria

Russia is cleverly filling the void created by the estrangement between the United States and Turkey.

Syria

Turkey brandishes Incirlik card to threaten US

Turkish officials are hinting at denying US access to the Incirlik Air Base unless Washington halts its support for Syrian Kurds and begins to provide air support for Turkish troops in Syria.

Iraq

Political Islamists brace for Trump era

The president-elect and his advisers take a dim view of the Muslim Brotherhood and its cousins, but could shutting them out end up hurting America the most?

Egypt

Turkish-Iranian rivalry may derail Syrian peace efforts

Despite the Moscow Declaration, in which Russia, Turkey and Iran pledged joint efforts to end the war in Syria, the ongoing regional rivalry between Ankara and Tehran could lead to snags in the settlement process.

Syria

How Iran sees Russian-Turkish deal on Syria

Although it was left out of Russia and Turkey’s announcement of a cease-fire agreement in Syria, Iran is very much involved on the stage as the Moscow-Ankara accord builds on a trilateral understanding with Tehran.

Syria

In Lebanon, even private schools caught in education crisis

The influx of displaced Syrians into Lebanon has worsened the already struggling education system in the country, with demand for private schools soaring as public schools are overcrowded and teachers exhausted.

Lebanon

Here’s why Russia gives itself high marks for 2016

Russia achieved many of its 2016 goals in the Middle East and paved the way for potentially significant successes in 2017 and beyond.

Legacy: Gulf

Is Erdogan trying to wreck US-Turkey relations?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims he has “evidence” of US support for the Islamic State; Iranian President Hassan Rouhani applauds valuable “victory” in Aleppo.

Syria

Erdogan accuses US, West of supporting terrorists in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused some partners in the coalition fighting the Islamic State of arming the fanatical group as well as Syrian Kurds.

Syria

Russia scores diplomacy points by mentoring Kazakhstan on Mideast

As the United States appears to be slipping out of the Middle East diplomacy picture, Russia is sharing the spotlight with its ally Kazakhstan in Syrian negotiations.

Syria