Putin, Erdogan emerge all smiles from Ankara meeting

As Turkey becomes more alienated from the West, Moscow is filling the gap by extending its friendship — and more — to Ankara.

Turkey

Russia tempers Erdogan's threats against Iraqi Kurdistan

Major Russian interests in Iraqi Kurdistan’s energy sector are seen as having a bearing on Turkey’s threatening response to the Kurdish independence referendum.

Iraq

Hamas promotes ties with Moscow

Hamas’ visit to Moscow raises questions about the movement’s objectives and about Russia’s increased influence in the Middle East and in the Palestinian arena.

Palestine

Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia

Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest.

Iraq

Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum

Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum.

Iraq

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus

In an interview with Al-Monitor, a Syrian Kurdish commander says the United States should stay in Syria during the post-Islamic State process.

Mazlum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

Moscow welcomes Libya’s fighting factions

Russia continues to boost its image as a peacemaker in the Middle East by engaging both of Libya’s warring parties.

Libya

Latest Syria peace talks solidify final de-escalation zone

Russia, Turkey and Iran met with opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime to ink an agreement on the four safe zones.

Syria

Is this beginning of the end for Idlib's jihadi groups?

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is facing several setbacks in Idlib including internal discord as foreign powers plan a military offensive against them.

Syria

Paris, Moscow agendas in Mideast are different but compatible

France and Russia are polishing their diplomacy in the Middle East, and perhaps toward each other.

Syria

Opening Homs-Hama road proving tricky for all sides in Syria

Conflicting reports about the opening of the Homs-Hama road have been issued as both the Syrian regime and opposition look to leverage the strategic route.

Syria

Russian-backed cease-fire fails to stop shelling in Syria's Eastern Ghouta

Despite the cease-fire agreement reached between the Syrian regime and the opposition under Russia’s sponsorship, shelling in Eastern Ghouta has only gotten worse, adding to the residents’ hardships.

Syria