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
Syria: US sends F-22 stealth fighter jets to ward off Russian pilots' harassment The Pentagon is upping the ante to deter the Kremlin's provocations in Syria as both Russia and Iran seek to take advantage of a smaller US force fighting ISIS. Syria
Senior Israeli officials attended Russian ambassador's anti-West speech At a Russia Day reception in Jerusalem, Russia's Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov delivered a speech defending his country's stance against Ukraine. Israel
In first for Turkey, National Security Council addresses Syrian refugee return Turkey’s National Security Council has openly expressed the need for international support for Syrian refugees to return home. Turkey
Analysis Israeli officials visited Russia, discussed Iran on rare trip Israel is trying to have it both ways by increasing its assistance to Ukraine while preserving its security ties with Russia. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
First Turkey-Syria FM meeting in Russia agrees to work on refugees, terrorism Ankara, for its part, stressed the need for cooperation on the return of Syrian refugees, the top Turkish diplomat said ahead of Turkey's crucial elections. Turkey
Iran FM in Russia to talk Syria-Turkey reconciliation while vowing to boost Assad's military Prior to the Moscow meeting, Tehran pledged readiness to equip Syria with the latest Iran-made weaponry, the shipment of which has been eased by the 2020 expiry of a UN arms embargo on the Islamic Republic. Iran
Arab League calls emergency meeting on crisis in Sudan, readmitting Syria The Arab League will address Syria's readmittance to the alliance and the ongoing violence in Sudan. Syria
Israel tests missile warning system ahead of deployment to Ukraine Signaling its support of Ukraine, Israel started testing in Kyiv a missile-warning system to protect the population against Russian attacks. Israel
Turkey, Syria defense chiefs meet in Russia, discuss ‘normalization' The Moscow meeting was described as “positive” by both sides since Syrian-Turkish rapprochement took off last year. Turkey
EU slaps Captagon sanctions on relatives of Syria's Assad The European Union adopted new restrictive measures today against Syrian individuals and entities accused of trafficking narcotics and supporting the oppressive Syrian government. Syria
Turkey, Syria send defense, intel chiefs to meet in Russia The meeting will mark the second round of talks that began late last year. Turkey
Fresh Turkey strikes in Syria kill 10 Kurdish militants: Ankara Turkish troops have killed 10 Kurdish militants in a cross-border escalation ongoing since the weekend, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Turkey