Analysis Algeria hails new $60B energy plan but price slump threatens reform push The OPEC member recently held its first oil and gas licensing round in a decade, attracting significant international interest and awarding five of six onshore blocks, signaling progress in its energy ambitions despite ongoing challenges. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis From flights to electricity grids, Turkey-Armenia ties slowly advance New confidence-building measures are set to roll out between Ankara and Yerevan as experts call on Turkey to do more to support the Armenian government. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Russia, Iran deepen nuclear cooperation with focus on small reactors Russia has moved to help Iran with its nuclear program as European states trigger snapback sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Iran
Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations. Iran
Analysis How far will China, Russia go in shielding Iran from UN sanctions? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Syrian Kurds fear US sellout to Turkey on ‘safe zone’ Zarif meets Assad and Erdogan; is Erdogan banking on Trump to avoid S-400 sanctions? Syria
Why Turkey’s reliance on Trump for S-400 sanctions waiver appears misguided Turkey is counting on President Donald Trump to waive US sanctions if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian air defense system. But any possible leniency would face significant obstacles in Congress. Turkey
Russia and Arabs agree on US, spar over Iran The Moscow-hosted fifth ministerial meeting between Russia and the Arab League exposed some disagreements but helped bring Russia and the Arabs closer on other issues. Legacy: Gulf
Turks look to Trump for way around ‘S-400 or F-35’ ultimatum With Congress threatening sanctions if Turkey acquires the Russian S-400 and the Pentagon warning that Turkey could lock itself out of the F-35 fighter jet program, the Turkish president’s son-in-law took his case directly to President Donald Trump. Turkey
Turkey exerts its own leverage in F-35 jet standoff with US The latest meeting between Russian and Turkish leaders in Moscow indicates Ankara is poised to escalate tensions by rebuffing US threats over F-35 jets. Turkey
Does Russia seek return of independent South Yemen? Russia is tacitly stepping up its efforts to engage with the UAE in Yemen and reach out to the Southern Transitional Council, which favors the reestablishment of an independent South Yemen. United Arab Emirates
What did Lavrov discuss in Egypt, Jordan? The Russian foreign minister completed his continual Mideast tour with visits to Cairo and Amman. Egypt
Russia, Turkey look to strengthen relationship beyond Syria Contrary to expectations, in Moscow Syria was a marginal story while Putin and Erdogan focused on further boosting bilateral ties. Syria
Pentagon nixes Turkish offer to address S-400 fears The Pentagon will not consider a Turkish proposal to create a bilateral working group to temper US fears over Ankara’s looming acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Turkey
Netanyahu polishes security image in Moscow as vote approaches Another meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin was a chance for Netanyahu to boast of his Russian ties with Putin and emphasize a new security threat ahead of the elections. Israel
Putin, Aoun discuss Syrian refugee crisis, regional issues President Putin and President Aoun hold wide-ranging talks, including about the return of refugees to Syria, and Lebanon indicates that despite its issues with Washington, strong US-Lebanese government ties are going to continue. Lebanon
