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
Russian referendums strain Egypt-Ukraine ties Egypt denies sending observers to monitor the Russian referendums on illegally annexing four regions in Ukraine. Egypt
Israel won’t supply Ukraine with missile-defense systems Defense Minister Benny Gantz continues to refuse requests by Kyiv to supply Ukraine with the Israel-US-developed Iron Dome or other anti-missile systems. Israel
Turkey bullish about F-16 deal with Washington, despite Menendez's vow to block it The New Jersey senator has vowed to block any deal until the Turkish president "halts his campaign of aggression against the region." Turkey
EU warns Turkey on ties with Russia ahead of Erdogan-Putin meeting The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey criticizes Ankara for increasing trade and financial relations with Russia, inviting Russian oligarchs to the country and undermining EU sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Turkey's stance complicates potential peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan By linking Turkey’s normalization with Armenia to a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Erdogan could encourage intransigence on Baku’s part. Turkey
US to 'reevaluate' relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC move The White House has nodded to calls among Democrats in Congress for a reappraisal of Washington's seven decades of support to the kingdom. Washington Connection
Why Erdogan’s Shanghai ambitions are risky business President Erdogan’s statement that NATO-member Turkey is targeting membership in the Shanghai club is more geared toward domestic consumption than reality, particularly after a top Russian diplomat said NATO and the SCO are incompatible. Turkey
Erdogan meets Azerbaijan’s Aliyev as Baku, Yerevan reach ceasefire Azerbaijan-Armenia tensions and the grain corridor are expected to top Erdogan’s meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where Turkey is attending at the presidential level for the first time. Turkey
Border conflict breaks out between Armenia, Azerbaijan as Russia distracted by Ukraine Azerbaijan’s close ally Turkey condemns Yerevan for escalation of conflict two years after a cease-fire. Turkey
Egypt to adopt Russian Mir payment system to encourage tourism, trade exchange Russian tourists and companies will be allowed to pay through the Russian Mir system in Egypt ahead of the winter season, which Cairo is hoping will boost its tourism sector. Egypt
Iran, Russia use own currencies for trade Saudi Arabia and India have also signaled moving away from the US dollar. Iran
'Normalization' with Assad is the new normal in Turkey Comments by Turkey's foreign minister hinting at normalization with Damascus drove hundreds of Syrians across Turkish-occupied areas of northern Syria to stage demonstrations. Turkey
