Russia tries to leverage ties with Taliban in Mideast policies Russia's invitation to the Taliban's since-canceled inauguration ceremony indicates a special relationship has developed between Moscow and the Taliban. Kirill Semenov | Russia | Sep 18, 2021 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses members of the US, Chinese, Afghan and Taliban delegations at the beginning of an international conference on Afghanistan over the peaceful solution to the conflict in Moscow on March 18, 2021.
Iran's Raisi to meet Putin as states mull Taliban recognition In his first foreign visit as Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi will sit down with Russian and Pakistani leaders amid new regional dynamics triggered by the US departure from Afghanistan. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Sep 16, 2021
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear diplomacy creeps forward in Moscow and Paris Also: Taliban’s success inspires Syrian jihadis; Russia’s delicate diplomacy in Syria and Turkey; Nile dam parley peters out; IDF snared in political rift; Egypt’s Avenue of the Sphinxes; and more … in only about 1,500 words. Andrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell | Iran | Sep 8, 2021
Can Russia maintain status quo in Syria's Daraa despite Assad, Iran? The Russian-brokered cease-fire agreement is evidence of Moscow's complex positioning in southwest Syria. Kirill Semenov | Russia | Sep 3, 2021
Are Syrian jihadis ready to take the fight to Afghanistan? Afghanistan revives terror challenges for Washington; Russia anticipates security vacuum; Erdogan senses an opportunity. Week in Review | Syria | Aug 27, 2021
As Syria’s foreign jihadis eye Afghanistan, new challenges arise for Moscow The potential that foreign fighters may move from Syria’s Idlib province to Afghanistan could pose major threats to Russia and its Central Asian allies. Kirill Semenov | Russia | Aug 27, 2021
Russian rebuke of Turkey for Crimea support highlights Ankara's delicate balancing act Turkey's support for Crimea also highlights the growing value of Ukraine and Crimea for Ankara. Amberin Zaman | Turkey | Aug 25, 2021
Russia recalibrates coordination with new Israeli government in Syria There are indications the Kremlin is about to revise its approach to Israel in order to force the Israel Defense Forces into accepting new rules of the regional game. Anton Mardasov | Russia | Aug 2, 2021
Russia tries to compete with US in Mideast weapons market Russia's prospects in the Middle East arms market will depend on its ability to master fast production of the latest models of military equipment. Kirill Semenov | Russia | Aug 2, 2021
Kremlin's vaccine diplomacy finds trouble in Middle East Deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are as controversial as the vaccine itself. Anton Mardasov | Russia | Jul 16, 2021
Confrontation between US, pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq poses challenges for Russia While Moscow does not yet have the resources to eliminate Iranian influence in Syria, it would be in its interests to at least prevent the expansion of the activities of pro-Iranian paramilitary structures. Kirill Semenov | Syria | Jul 12, 2021
Iran to acquire Russian high-resolution recon satellite Russia is set to give Iran a satellite that could spy on Tehran's potential military targets. Al-Monitor Staff | Russia | Jun 11, 2021
Russia looks for way back into Yemen Moscow appears to be making some tentative steps for a deeper engagement in the Yemen war. Kirill Semenov | Russia | Jun 11, 2021
US cranks up diplomacy with Russia to keep Syria’s last humanitarian aid corridor open The fate of millions of Syrians hangs in the balance as Russia threatens to shut a crossing vital to humanitarian aid. Amberin Zaman | Syria | Jun 7, 2021
Will Syria come up in Biden-Putin summit? US pressing to maintain humanitarian corridors into Syria; Erdogan’s issues with US Syria policy; UN envoy refers to Syria’s "tragic irony." Week in Review | Russia | Jun 4, 2021
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses members of the US, Chinese, Afghan and Taliban delegations at the beginning of an international conference on Afghanistan over the peaceful solution to the conflict in Moscow on March 18, 2021.
