Analysis Pragmatic politics: Why Turkey avoids blaming Russia for Black Sea attacks Beyond economics, Ankara’s approach is also shaped by maintaining its role as an indispensable mediator between the Kremlin and the West. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Putin offers to help end Iran war, but can Russia deliver? As Washington and Tehran weigh their next moves, Moscow is seeking a diplomatic foothold in a war where influence may prove harder to convert into concrete results. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
Iran joins SCO drill as China resists direct intervention in US-Iran war An IRGC official said the exercise will focus on countering extremist activities and containing violent groups. Iran
Why is Libya's commander Hifter visiting Russia? The visit comes amid the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s ill-fated mutiny and the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in Russia. North Africa
Turkey’s Erdogan meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev as Armenians flee Nagorno-Karabakh Ankara is backing the oil-rich Turkic nation’s current drive to seize all of Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey
Russia becomes UAE’s top gold supplier as Ukraine sanctions bite The United Arab Emirates bought 96.4 tons of gold from Russia in 2022, making it Moscow's top gold importer. United Arab Emirates
Turkey's Erdogan backs Azerbaijan's offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, as US, Russia urge restraint Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Erdogan said the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region is Azerbaijani territory, as US and Russia rejected Baku's offensive. Turkey
Dubai ranks first in luxury home sales in second quarter: report Dubai was one of only four markets to see growth in its overall sales volume of luxury homes between Q2 2022 and Q2 2023 at 79%, along with Sydney (46%), Paris (17%) and Geneva (7%). United Arab Emirates
Which 5 Turkey-based firms did US sanction for aiding Russia in Ukraine? US officials have repeatedly pressed Turkish counterparts to address the flow of funds to Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Turkey
Dubai apartment prices soar, spooking expats The cost of the average apartment in Dubai rose 20% in one year through August. United Arab Emirates
US, Armenia hold military drills as Russia's influence weakens in Caucasus Washington has a finger on the scale as Armenia accuses Russia of failing to protect it against Azerbaijan. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Russia maintains Libya role after Wagner's mutiny, Prigozhin's death A senior defense official visited eastern Libya to meet with the Libyan National Army and assure them that Russian support would continue. North Africa Pulse
US top general talks Syria, NATO with new Turkey counterpart Gen. Mark Milley's first announced call with newly appointed Turkish armed forces chief Metin Gurak follows reports that the United States is exploring alternate routes for Ukraine's grain exports. Turkey
Oil prices surge as Saudi Arabia, Russia extend 1.3 million barrel cut through December The production cuts by Saudi Arabia, Russia and the OPEC+ alliance have succeeded in keeping oil prices up but have also had some negative effects on the Saudi economy. Legacy: Gulf
In Russia, Turkey's Erdogan seeks better ties with Putin, but distrust lingers The Turkish president wants to enhance his prestige by brokering a new grain deal but faces an uphill battle, with increasing distrust from Moscow over Ankara's ties with Ukraine, and posture inside NATO. Turkey
