Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
Sharaa, Putin meet in Moscow after Russia's abrupt pullout from Syria base Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Moscow, his second in four months, comes days after Russia began withdrawing its forces and evacuating equipment from its military base in northeast Syria. Syria
Syria's Shibani talks defense, economic ties with Russia's Putin during Moscow visit The visit is the second to Russia for Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra, and follows other signs of rapprochement. Syria
Analysis Sharaa in Washington: Can US charm offensive boost Syria’s reconstruction? The trip signals strong support for the new Syrian government, as President Sharaa seeks the breakthroughs needed to end economic isolation and speed up reconstruction, while US sanctions continue to paralyze investment. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Pragmatism outweighs animosity as Syrian, Russian FMs bargain at Kremlin By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Israel prepares to receive Jews fleeing Ukraine As tensions between Washington and Moscow keep rising, Israel prepares contingency plans for Jewish immigrants from Ukraine. Israel
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. Russia
Bennett makes efforts to establish friendly relationship with Putin Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to discuss regional strategic issues such as Syria and Iran. Israel
Northern Syria health care plagued by issues as UN extends cross-border aid A US-based group of doctors conducted a detailed assessment of the region’s health sector in both Kurdish and rebel territory. Syria
UN extends Syria cross-border aid without challenge from Russia The Biden administration eased restrictions on aid groups working with the Syrian government in November. Syria
Israeli, Russian foreign ministers discuss key regional issues via phone With the second round of Iran nuke talks resuming in Vienna, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid speaks on the phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Israel
Kremlin hopes Syria can be a future thorn in NATO's southern flank The longer runway at Khmeimim airbase in Syria gives nuclear-capable bombers a place to land, and is one more move in Russia's plan to expand its capacities in new directions. Russia
Syrian Airlines adds more flights to Dubai The United Arab Emirates and Syria continue to improve their relationship after years of Gulf states shunning the Assad government. News Brief
Iran expands economic reach into oil-rich region of Syria Iran exports to Syria are increasing, a sign of an improving economic relation between the two countries. Syria
Ukraine to decide soon on opening embassy in Jerusalem Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk says the decision to open an office of the embassy to Jerusalem is probably a matter of months. Israel
Israel focused on Syria as well as Iran A report by the Washington Post has attributed two attacks to Israel in the past year and a half against Syrian military facilities linked to its past chemical weapons program. Israel
Russian movie praises Moscow's war efforts in Syria The Russian movie "Sky" tells the story of a pilot killed after a Turkish jet shot down his bomber over northern Syria. Syria
