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
Congress hesitant to share IS intelligence with Putin, Assad Lawmakers are ambivalent about greater cooperation in countering foreign fighters. Syria
Abbas turns to Russia It seems Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is asking Russia to step up its role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the United States is slowly retreating from dealing with the region's issues. Palestine
Will Russia’s move ruin Erdogan’s plan for Syria? Will Turkey’s rules of engagement against Syrian planes now apply to Russian planes flying near the Turkish border? Syria
Will US, Russia find common ground in Syria? A common enemy, the Islamic State, should be the first step in an expanded international coalition; does Iraqi Kurdistan face the prospect of "administrative breakup"? Iraq
Russian role in Syria still anyone's guess It's difficult to tell how involved Russia plans to become in fighting terrorism in the Middle East, let alone how it might approach such an undertaking. Syria
Do Erdogan’s post-Moscow visit remarks indicate change in Syria policy? Following talks with his Russian counterpart, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vaguely hints at a change in Ankara’s position on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey
Putin supports Erdogan in Turkey, but not in Syria Despite his perceived alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan came back from his trip to Moscow disappointed. Turkey
Kerry's remarks on Syria trouble Turkey Despite Ankara’s dissatisfaction over suggestions that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has to be part of a settlement, experts say there is little Turkey can do to alter the course of events. Syria
Iran welcomes Russian help to end crisis in Syria Iranian officials have said they welcome Russian involvement in Syria, as Russia builds up its military presence in the country. Syria
Israel fears return of Persian Empire According to a senior IDF source, Israel's major concern should be the Iran-Shiite-Hezbollah axis and Iran gaining regional influence and power after the nuclear agreement. Israel
Pressure shifts to Iran to implement nuclear deal No sanctions to be lifted until Iran puts in place unprecedented nuclear safeguards; White House spokesman calls out critics of Syria policy; Aleppo region a "living hell"; siege of Madaya continues. Syria
Why Iran, Saudi Arabia keep locking horns on Syria The window of opportunity for regional dialogue provided by the Iran nuclear deal appears wasted as Tehran and Riyadh stick to their positions. Saudi Arabia
