Russia’s Putin hosts Saddam Hifter amid instability in Libya: What to know Moscow has built a strong relationship with Libya’s eastern camp, as Washington and Ankara pursue efforts to reunify the country’s political and military institutions. Libya
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump threatens to bomb Oman Kushner meets Netanyahu on Gaza plan; Pope calls for end to West Bank violence; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Russia reach deal on Russian bases Iran says no reason to fear Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi security pact; Yemeni military reports 7 killed in Houthi attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US gives up on working with Russia on Syria The United States announced Oct. 3 it was suspending bilateral engagement with Russia on Syria, saying there was nothing more to talk about as Russia intensified its air attacks on Aleppo. Syria
Why did Egypt really back down on Russian wheat import ban? While Cairo claims its decision to allow trace amounts of ergot fungus in wheat imports complies with earlier regulations, some in Egypt are questioning the motives. Egypt
As Aleppo battle rages, citizens suffer from blockade, shelling Dozens of civilians were killed and wounded in Aleppo after the cease-fire failed and regime forces launched a fierce campaign to recapture the opposition-held neighborhoods in the city. Syria
US threatens to halt talks with Russia on Syria Washington has threatened to suspend US-Russian engagement on Syria if Moscow does not take immediate steps to halt a Russian-backed Syrian regime assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo. Syria
What is Turkey’s military strategy in Syria? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent statement once again revealed that Ankara's priority in Syria is not fighting against the Islamic State, but rather stopping Kurds' advances. Syria
Foreign policy mishaps prove costly for Turkish contractors The AKP government’s foreign policy blunders have cost Turkish contractors abroad $16 billion of revenue losses. Iraq
Did US approach Iran about Yemen? Controversy has erupted in Iran over mysterious reports of a secret US letter to Iran on engagement to solve the crisis in Yemen. Yemen
Iran capitalizes on collapse of US-Russia cease-fire deal The Kerry-Lavrov cessation of hostilities for Syria unravels. Syria
US, Russia spar over terms to restore Syria cease-fire Diplomats held a contentious meeting in an attempt to agree on bold measures to try to salvage a US-Russia cease-fire deal in Syria after it collapsed, but failed to reach agreement. Syria
US, UN say Syria cease-fire 'not dead' after strike on aid convoy Despite statements from the United States and UN following a deadly Sept. 19 strike on an aid convoy, there are growing doubts about whether the US-Russian agreement is viable. Syria
Why Iran never counted on US-Russia agreement Despite welcoming the US-Russia agreement on Syria, Iran never had much faith in the initiative. As such, the collapse of the deal does not appear to have left anyone in Tehran fazed. Syria
New Turkey-Russia hotline still subject to static Russia and Turkey are effusive about the positive gains in their relationship, but ties remain tenuous where Syria is concerned. Turkey
