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
US, Turkey still far off on deal over Russian S-400 missiles Is any feasible deal on the S-400 deployment in Turkey in the works? Turkey
Iran and Russia sign visa waiver agreement The deal focuses on making it easier for large tourist groups to travel to Iran and Russia. News Brief
Will Syria come up in Biden-Putin summit? US pressing to maintain humanitarian corridors into Syria; Erdogan’s issues with US Syria policy; UN envoy refers to Syria’s "tragic irony." Russia
Meeting with Biden looms as critical test for Erdogan Turkey’s relationship with the United States poses the toughest test for Erdogan in the coming period, bound to sway both his foreign policy and political alliances at home. Turkey
Sudan puts Russia naval base deal under review A top military officer denied the review was connected to increased ties with the United States. Russia / Mideast
Turkey’s persistent watering down of anti-Russian language leaves NATO in bind Ankara defends its position on Moscow on the grounds that it has to manage its relationship with its powerful northeastern neighbor. Turkey
With ties with West strained, Turkey gets lifeline from Poland Drawing on his rapport with the Polish president and a landmark drone deal with Warsaw, Erdogan seems to be aiming at two goals — strengthening his hand in NATO and having a close ally within the European Union. Turkey
The Takeaway: US ties with Egypt loom large again Picking up the pieces in Gaza; the uneasy, uncertain peace between Israel and Hamas; PLO and Hamas still can’t find common ground; Russia on the diplomatic sidelines; desert kingdom looks to build forest; and more! Egypt
Turkey fails to convince Russia to lift flight ban Despite the efforts of Turkey's top-level delegation to Russia to get flights resumed between the two countries, Moscow has extended the ban. Turkey
Russia to build floating dock off Syrian coast Russia's repair shop in Tartus is working to build a floating dock, greatly expanding the capabilities of the military base. Syria
UN Security Council discusses concerns over spread of Libya's foreign fighters The killing of Chad's leader has ignited fears over the potential spread of violent mercenaries outside of Libya. North Africa
Blinken cautions Turkey against future S-400 purchases Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said that President Joe Biden's recent recognition of the Armenian genocide should not have come as a surprise. Turkey
