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
Khamenei adviser’s Moscow visit stirs foreign policy debate in Iran The lack of transparency surrounding Ayatollah Khamenei’s foreign policy adviser’s recent trip to Russia, including his announcement of a major deal for Russian investment, has caused heated debate among Iranians. Russia
Russia zeroes in on returning Christians to Syrian homes Moscow is playing up the plight of displaced Christians to encourage Western states to contribute to Syria's reconstruction. Syria
Russia key to reset of Jordanian-Syrian ties With fighting appearing to wind down in Syria, talk has begun of normalizing ties between Jordan and Syria, but the matter is not so straightforward for Amman. Jordan
Will Iran, Russia step up energy cooperation to blunt US sanctions? Amid rising US pressure, Tehran and Moscow might be on the cusp of a new era of economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Russia
The art of the deal in Helsinki – the next chapter More than 11% of internally displaced people have returned to areas retaken by Syrian government forces this year. Syria
Moscow steadily promoting its 'Helsinki agenda' in Syria Following the Helsinki summit, Russia is working to deliver what each party is expecting from it: security to Israel, cooperation with Iran and engagement with the West. Syria
Pentagon shifts equipment from Iraq to Syria The Pentagon is removing mine rollers and armored carriers from Iraq as it draws down its presence in the country. Iraq
Pompeo, Haley try to regroup after Helsinki In the wake of Helsinki summit, there are signs of a growing chasm between President Donald Trump and his Cabinet chiefs trying to implement US policies toward the Middle East. Syria
Putin envoy tells Iran that cooperation in Syria will continue Iranian and Russian officials have insisted that despite pressure from outside countries, the two countries will continue to support the Syrian government. Israel
Meet the new generation of Iranian hard-liners A young generation of hard-liners is beginning to challenge the old guard, taking tougher positions on political issues while being more open on cultural affairs. Russia
The path to Washington passes through Jerusalem Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has morphed from persona non grata at the White House into the leader with the most influence over the US president. Israel
Turkey wary of US-Russia deal on Syria Ankara is increasingly concerned that Washington is working with Moscow to secure an accord for northern Syria between the Bashar al-Assad regime and the Kurds. Syria