The coming battle for Idlib

Syrian regime forces are deploying near and around Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, suggesting that the battle for Idlib is shaping up despite diplomatic gesturing and a statement by Russia denying an imminent operation.

Syria

Will Russia, Iran dash Turkey's hopes of becoming energy corridor?

The recently signed Caspian protocol between the Caspian littoral states means that Iran and Russia can thwart Turkey’s hopes of transporting Turkmen gas and Kazakh oil via Turkey to Europe.

Turkey

Russia, Turkey seek peaceful solutions to 'imminent' Idlib battle

Moscow and Ankara are actively working through back channels to ensure a smooth settlement in Syria's Idlib, amid ongoing rumors of an imminent fight between opposition groups and Syrian regime forces.

Syria

Is a storm brewing for Turkey in Idlib?

The increasing presence of jihadis in the last remaining opposition enclave is giving Bashar al-Assad a pretext to threaten an attack on the region where Turkish forces are also deployed.

Syria

Ankara’s eyes on Idlib as Astana group gathers in Sochi

Representatives from Turkey, Russia and Iran are reportedly meeting in Sochi to discuss the Syrian conflict, and Iran's presence in the war-torn area seems to figure prominently.

Syria

Turkey becomes more dependent on Russia due to Idlib

Ankara has not reacted to large Russian arms shipments to Armenia as Turkey’s current priority is preserving security cooperation with Russia in Syria, particularly in Idlib.

Syria

Syria's Idlib emerges as Achilles heel in Russia-Turkey partnership

Although Turkey is desperately trying to postpone an imminent Idlib operation by Syrian forces, a compromise doesn’t look likely.

Syria

Did Israel nix Russian deal on Iran-backed forces in Syria?

Putin intensifies diplomacy with Israel and Turkey, as Iran adjusts its Syria policy after Helsinki; Damascus and Syrian Kurds keep talking; Al-Monitor breaks story on costs of US Embassy in Jerusalem.

Syria

Russia-Turkey ties face 'moment of truth' over Syria's Idlib

Presidents Putin and Erdogan met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg to discuss growing tensions over Idlib, where Russia and Turkey may be facing their moment of truth.

Turkey

Iran maneuvers to protect its interests in Syria

Iran’s strategy on Syria enters a more proactive phase as the Islamic Republic maneuvers to keep its interests, including its partnership with Russia, intact.

Syria

Why Syria's Kurds are inclined to negotiate with Damascus

As the Syrian regime regains control of more areas from opposition forces, and given US claims of a desire to withdraw troops, Syria's Kurds seem to be inclined to engage in talks with Damascus.

Syria

Israel detects Russian shift on Iran's presence in Syria

Israeli military sources sense that President Donald Trump, President Vladimir Putin and even Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wouldn't object to Israel pushing Iran out of Syria.

Israel