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
How are Turkey and Russia getting along these days? As Moscow and Ankara work to shore up their relations, it's clear the foundation wasn't all that solid to begin with. Turkey
Former Egypt FM says US election outcome won't dictate US-Arab ties In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy says that "the future of Arab-American affairs is 70% controlled by the Arab world and 30% in the hands of the United States," and hence does not depend on the next US president. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran still doesn’t trust Russia on Syria Despite its close collaboration with Russia in Syria, Iranian political and military officials are growing increasingly suspicious about Moscow's intentions and long-term strategy. Russia
Russian, Syrian defense ministers arrive in Tehran for 'strategic meeting' The defense ministers of Russia, Syria and Iran met in Tehran to discuss the latest regional developments and methods to "fight terrorism." Syria
Will gas thaw the ice between Russia, Turkey? Russia’s interest in crucial energy projects with Turkey may facilitate fence-mending between the two countries after months of crisis. Turkey
Is Russia readying for the kill in Syria? Russia is likely preparing for a major assault on Jabhat al-Nusra and affiliated groups in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. Syria
Is Egypt taking lessons from Russia when it comes to wooing youth? Similar to Putin’s Nashi youth movement, is Sisi creating the Fourth Army to use the youth to his advantage? Egypt
Can US, Turkey keep up appearances in Syria? Russia weighs escalation in Syria; CENTCOM commander seeks to balance Turkey, Syrian Kurds in campaign against Islamic State; return to Sur. Syria
Will Russia adopt 'first to strike' policy in Syria? Bombings in Tartus and Jableh have led Russia to reassess the risks it faces in Syria. Lebanon
Expect repercussions from deadly Latakia attacks All players in the Syrian war are scrutinizing the recent bloody assaults on Syrian civilians and the range of results that are likely. Syria
Erdogan irked as major players snub humanitarian summit Turkey was expecting representatives from "all" countries to attend the first World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. Syria
Syrians describe 'most dangerous journey ever' fleeing IS territories Civilians in areas under IS control are barred from leaving, but many are nonetheless risking their lives to flee the group's grip. Syria
