Should Ankara be optimistic about relations with Trump?

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has expressed optimism about improved US-Turkish relations during a Trump administration.

Syria

Will Trump bring Egypt, Israel closer?

Observers wait to see what role, if any, the Trump administration might play in a rapprochement between Israel and Egypt.

Egypt

Saudi-Egypt crisis leaves Israel concerned

Two arms deals recently inked by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has Israel baffled and worried.

Saudi Arabia

Erdogan’s Syria policy hits dead end in Aleppo

Ankara anticipates worst-case scenario as Syrian government forces appear close to victory in decisive battle.

Syria

Congress authorizes Trump to arm Syrian rebels with anti-aircraft missiles

The House passed a defense bill that conditionally allows the provision of MANPADs to anti-Syrian regime forces.

Syria

Why are the flames of Aleppo burning Turkey?

As they continue to suffer defeats, Syrian opposition forces are being pressed back against the Turkish border, signaling yet another nightmare in the making.

Syria

Russian-rebel talks resume as Erdogan backs down on Assad

Talks between Russia and Syrian rebels were reportedly derailed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's contradictory statements on Syria, but they have apparently resumed after he and the Russian president spoke on the phone and Erdogan publicly declared that Turkey is only targeting terrorist organizations in northern Syria.

Syria

As risk rises, will Turkey persist in quest for al-Bab?

The Turkish army, which so far has avoided actively fighting in Syria, now faces increasing danger as it advances to al-Bab.

Syria

Sisi's support for Syrian regime threatens to harm Cairo-Riyadh ties

Egypt's vote in favor of the French and Russian draft resolutions on Syria at the UN Security Council has created a rift in its ties with Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia

Shiite forces advance on Tal Afar in Mosul operation

Predominately Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have liberated Tal Afar airport to the west of Mosul and now seek to coordinate with Kurdish peshmerga forces on the front.

Iraq

What would fall of Aleppo mean for US Syria policy?

If the Syrian regime’s campaign to retake eastern Aleppo succeeds, it could have a profound impact on the incoming US administration’s Syria plans.

Syria

Kremlin unsure how to take Erdogan's vow to topple Assad

A Russian diplomat has expressed confusion and cautious disapproval over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly saying that Turkey's main objective in Syria is to topple the regime.

Syria