Turkey, Russia seek European input on Syria settlement

The heads of four nations gathered in Istanbul last week, all seeking to promote their countries' own national interests in Syria. But it's unclear if they'll eventually be able to negotiate a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis that Damascus will accept.

Syria

What's behind Russia’s 'wait and see' approach on Khashoggi killing?

Russia has been keeping a rather low profile on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, but this stance is driven by profound considerations of Moscow's own role in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia

Will US sanctions sway Iran to enter oil deal with Russia?

Iranians in general do not trust Russia, but their government may be looking into various oil deals with Moscow to work around US sanctions.

Russia

Egypt-Russia partnership deal takes bilateral ties to new heights

Egypt and Russia's recently signed cooperation agreement is expected to restore political and economic relations between the two countries and build on longstanding ties.

Egypt

Netanyahu losing his diplomatic ‘magic touch’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, master of international diplomacy, seems to be losing his magic touch: Ties with Jordan and Russia are shaky, the alliance with Saudi Arabia draws criticism and the Trump team might present its peace plan at any moment.

Palestine

Russia eyes opportunities with new Iraqi decision-makers

As Iraq welcomes its new parliament members and office-holders, Moscow looks to beef up bilateral cooperation in different areas with Baghdad.

Iraq

Saad Hariri: loose witness in MBS prosecution

The Lebanese prime minister now has one on the crown prince; Mohammed bin Salman goes after his inner circle; Netanyahu needs Putin for possible deal on the Golan.

Saudi Arabia

Putin, Sisi take Russia-Egypt relations to 'strategic level'

Moscow and Cairo signed a strategic cooperation agreement that is supposed to open new venues for bilateral relations in the military, political and cultural domains.

Egypt

Commentary: Can Russia make a positive change in Libya?

Reports on the increase of Russian military presence in Libya sparked international controversy and triggered a debate within Russia over the need for a presence in the distant Mediterranean country. Russia indeed eyes a bigger role in the conflict, but one different from what the reports ascribe Moscow to play.

Libya

Iran sets sights on Syrian reconstruction projects

Iran is ready to help rebuild Syria, and seems especially interested in getting the power back up and running, but restructuring projects will remain stalled until a political solution is reached.

Syria

Commentary: Netanyahu’s view on Golan Heights

Most Israeli prime ministers in the past 25 years participated in negotiations over an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, and it is likely that such negotiations will be launched again in the future.

Israel

Saudis skeptical about Russia's oil production prospects

Saudi Arabia's projection that Russian oil production will dwindle significantly triggered a backlash in Moscow, which says it has options up its sleeve that will prove Riyadh wrong.

Saudi Arabia