Iran seizes high ground in Saudi-Qatar dispute

Iran probably can’t believe its luck; is it time for a second look at the Aleppo “narrative”?

Legacy: Gulf

Russia takes parliamentary diplomacy to Middle East

As Russia’s participation in Mideast policymaking grows, its legislature is assuming a greater role in diplomacy there.

Syria

Despite US strikes, Moscow still wants to work with Washington on Syria

Though the Russians continue to protest US strikes on Syrian government forces and pro-government paramilitaries, the Kremlin is unlikely to respond as long as it remains focused on cooperation with Washington.

Syria

Orwell casts his shadow on Istanbul’s culture scene

Orwell’s legacy is reinterpreted in Istanbul’s Pera Museum’s exhibition “Doublethink: Double vision.”

Countries

Moscow festival reflects hope for Turkey’s tourism sector

Russian tourists are returning to Turkey’s relatively warm climes as relations between the countries thaw.

Turkey

Second-term Rouhani likely to move closer to Russia

Increasing multilateral and bilateral cooperation suggests that Iran and Russia may be on the path of eventually achieving a strategic partnership.

Syria

Iraqi Kurdistan-Russia oil deal could have major implications for region

The Kurdistan Regional Government quietly signed a major deal June 2 with Russian oil giant Rosneft, allowing Russia its first entry to the Kurdish oil market, which was dominated by the United States and Turkey.

Iraq

Mixed messages since US-Saudi-Islamic summit prove costly

Is the United States missing an opportunity with Iran in the war against the Islamic State? Turkey, Hamas deal with fallout from Qatar dispute; Al-Monitor had the jump on “secret” US-Russia talks on Syria.

Saudi Arabia

How Moscow-Riyadh rapport fits into the Mideast scene

With all that’s going on in the Gulf right now, some players are re-examining their alliances and shoring up support.

Saudi Arabia

Russia’s reading on what’s at stake in Qatar crisis

Moscow has pricked up its ears as Qatar’s diplomacy problems grow more raucous.

Legacy: Gulf

Russian Subbotniks dream of coming to Israel

After joining the Jewish people two centuries ago, the Subbotnik community feels that Israel should recognize them as Jews and enable them to immigrate.

Countries

Jordan pins hopes on US-Russian accord on southern Syria

Amid talks about secret trilateral meetings being held in Amman between Jordan, the United States and Russia to establish a de-escalation zone in southern Syria, Jordan would reject the presence of Islamic State militants on its northern borders, or fighters supported by Iran.

Jordan