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
Is Russia full-on supporting Hamas? The Russian ambassador to Israel refused to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, calling on Israel to deal with the group to reach a political solution. Palestine
Is Putin getting serious on Libya? As Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev led the Russian delegation to the Palermo conference on Libya, Moscow spoke of its economic interests in the country but, most importantly, was sending a strong political message to warring factions. Libya
Russia eyes opportunities with new Iraqi decision-makers As Iraq welcomes its new parliament members and office-holders, Moscow looks to beef up bilateral cooperation in different areas with Baghdad. Iraq
Putin, Sisi take Russia-Egypt relations to 'strategic level' Moscow and Cairo signed a strategic cooperation agreement that is supposed to open new venues for bilateral relations in the military, political and cultural domains. Egypt
Commentary: Can Russia make a positive change in Libya? Reports on the increase of Russian military presence in Libya sparked international controversy and triggered a debate within Russia over the need for a presence in the distant Mediterranean country. Russia indeed eyes a bigger role in the conflict, but one different from what the reports ascribe Moscow to play. Libya
Pentagon looks to thwart Russian tech attacks in Syria The Pentagon’s in-house tech incubator is developing protected radio communications to thwart potential Russian interception of US airstrike and artillery data. Originals
Analysis: Reports on Russian troops in Libya spark controversy Allegations that Moscow is deploying troops to Libya have triggered domestic debate over Russia's role in the crisis. Libya
Three years in Syria, Russia sums up achievements and challenges On the third anniversary of the Russian campaign in Syria, Foreign Minister Lavrov summed up Moscow's achievements but conceded challenges persist. Syria
Russia, Iran compete to reconstruct Syria Amid domestic economic constraints, Moscow and Tehran seek additional sponsors for Syria's reconstruction. Syria
What Putin-Erdogan deal means for Idlib Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hammered out a deal on "demilitarizing" Idlib that both parties seem to be content with — yet serious political and military challenges persist. Syria
Russia pushes for constitutional committee amid uncertainty over Idlib As a military campaign on Idlib looms uncertain, Russia, Turkey and Iran make progress on a constitutional committee in Geneva. Syria