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
Jordan fears collapse of de-escalation zone in southwest Syria Jordan seems worried the fighting in Syria’s eastern Ghouta could hit near its borders amid claims of strikes by Syrian jets against rebel-held areas in Daraa. Israel
Turkish-Arab ties marked by fear and loathing A senior Turkish diplomat says Ankara misread the Middle East and ended up relying on Iran and its backer Russia, the two countries that Arab regimes fear the most. United Arab Emirates
Russia warns against attacking Damascus, says West is lying Moscow accuses the United States of wanting to interfere in Russia's presidential election and of concocting fake news about a pending Syrian chemical strike against civilians, and it says it's being falsely blamed for the spy poisoning in the UK. Syria
Iranian mistrust of Russia surges as Syrian war winds down The Iranian media increasingly reflects fears and mistrust of Russian intentions in Syria. Syria
Iraqi Kurdistan’s not so friendly skies opening again soon Baghdad to formally take charge of Kurdistan Region airports and borders; shift in Syria strategy by Moscow may follow Russian presidential election; Jordan’s king and Turkish president find common ground. Iraq
Russia considering course change after new challenges in Syria As Russia's presidential election approaches, Moscow finds itself recently pressured by several negative developments in Syria that are causing it to re-evaluate its strategy there. Syria
The dealmaker: Mueller witness helped broker $4.2 billion Iraq-Russia arms deal Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s latest interest, Lebanese-American businessman George Nader, has a long history of mysterious dealings in the Middle East despite a low profile in Washington. United Arab Emirates
Turkey moves to take key town in Afrin operation Turkish jets attacked the northern Syrian town of Jindires with the ultimate goal of encircling the city of Afrin. Syria
Stakes rise in Syria as Turkey clashes with pro-Assad militias As Turkey’s forces approach the center of Afrin city in Syria, it is getting harder for Moscow to control events. Syria
Turkey entangled in Syria cease-fire it once supported Much to the consternation of many allies, Ankara is challenging the UN Security Council’s cease-fire resolution in Syria, saying it does not apply to Turkey's Afrin operation. Syria
Turkish-Iranian trade revived amid growing cooperation in Syria Turkey and Iran have reversed a four-year downturn in bilateral trade as collaboration in Syria increases, but the possibility of a setback remains real. Syria
Russia's UN veto sign of warming ties with Iran says Khamenei adviser Russia’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution condemning Iran in Yemen’s civil war is a sign of the growing ties between Tehran and Moscow, according to a top adviser to the supreme leader. Russia
