Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports Multiple recent reports reveal increased Russian support for Iran, including weapons and intelligence sharing. Iran
Egypt’s Sisi, Putin meet as Russia steps up Africa push: What to know Wednesday’s meeting comes on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering in Moscow bringing together African leaders and officials. Egypt
Russian satellite data helped Yemen’s Houthis target Saudi Arabia: What to know A report by The Associated Press found evidence that Russian satellites helped Yemen’s Houthis identify and target specific sites, including energy facilities and military bases, in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Putin puts Trump ahead of Iran in bid to mediate war Anton Mardosov, reporting from Moscow, and our correspondent in Tehran assess the limits of Russian influence in Iran; Ben Caspit reports that Netanyahu could force a unity government with an attack on Iran after the elections. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Analysis How Lavrov's Tehran visit tests limits of Russia's influence over Iran By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Congress pushes Trump to get tough on Idlib Congress is calling on the State Department to get tougher on calling out reported Syrian war crimes as forces loyal to the Bashar al-Assad regime attempt to advance deeper into Idlib, one of the opposition’s last holdouts in the war-torn country. Syria
Four years in Syria, Russia expands military base, eyes challenges ahead After four years of fighting in Syria, Russia expands military facilities, but the nature of looming challenges is political. Syria
Looming dilemma for the US: Disarm the YPG or not? The Trump administration has to decide whether it will disarm the Syrian Democratic Forces and the People's Protection Units to assuage Turkey. Syria
Syrian reconstruction expo draws Russian businesses Russian companies continue to explore investments in Syria's reconstruction, which could be a boon to them given the Western sanctions against Russia. Syria
Russia’s future in Iran looks brighter as Europe, US fade Moscow hopes its efforts to help Iran work around US sanctions will pay off in trade, finance and politics. Russia
Interview Israel’s UN ambassador says crisis with Iran 'brings us closer' to Arab states In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Danny Danon says Iran is "lying all the way" about its nuclear program — "We proved it to the world.”
Will Idlib’s displaced return under government pressure? The Syrian regime is accusing the opposition of preventing the return of the displaced in northern Hama through the recently opened Abu al-Duhur crossing. Syria
Does Russia benefit from attack on Saudi oil facility? The attacks on Saudi oil production facilities may bring Russia some short-term benefits, but the picture becomes more complicated in the long run. Legacy: Gulf
Two to watch at the UN General Assembly: Turkey’s Erdogan and Iraq’s Salih Turkish leader meets Trump ahead of safe-zone deadline; Iraqi president offers new direction for Iraq and region. Iraq
Iraq steps up search for advanced air defense system Regional conflicts and international tensions, along with money, are roadblocks to Iraq's pressing interest in upgrading its missile defense system. Iraq
Syrians fill language classes as Russian influence grows Syrian students, aware that Russian influence is in their country to stay, see learning Russian as a key to both higher education and employment. Syria
Intel: How Syria is driving a wedge between Russia and Israel The show of unity during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Russia on Sept. 12 can’t paper over the sharp differences between the two countries over Syria. Israel
