Second-term Rouhani likely to move closer to Russia

Increasing multilateral and bilateral cooperation suggests that Iran and Russia may be on the path of eventually achieving a strategic partnership.

Syria

Syrian war has reshaped Ramadan for many

Since the Syrian regime lost control of Idlib in 2015, the city has become a melting pot of Ramadan traditions, as residents and refugees adapt to new lives.

Syria

Mixed messages since US-Saudi-Islamic summit prove costly

Is the United States missing an opportunity with Iran in the war against the Islamic State? Turkey, Hamas deal with fallout from Qatar dispute; Al-Monitor had the jump on “secret” US-Russia talks on Syria.

Saudi Arabia

How Moscow-Riyadh rapport fits into the Mideast scene

With all that’s going on in the Gulf right now, some players are re-examining their alliances and shoring up support.

Saudi Arabia

Ghouta residents suffer under siege during Ramadan

As the regime continues to impose its siege on eastern Ghouta, thousands of trapped residents are making do with the limited supply of food available and depending on NGOs to get them through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Syria

Syrian regime clears last IS bastion in Aleppo province

The Syrian regime is closing in on the Islamic State in Aleppo, while securing a foothold in Raqqa’s outskirts, where US-backed rebels launched their offensive to liberate the city.

Syria

Road ahead unclear in aftermath of Tehran attacks

After having thwarted numerous plots to strike Iran, the country has finally been hit by its first Islamic State attack; the question now is what Iran may do next.

Saudi Arabia

Iran says IS attackers fought in Syria and Iraq

Iranian authorities linked the Islamic State attackers to a larger cell whose leader was killed by security forces last year.

Saudi Arabia

Turkey's 'American Idol' of Quran recitation backfires

An attempt to spread Ramadan cheer backfires as Turkey's Islamists are not happy with a controversial TV show involving competition to recitate the Quran.

Egypt

'Peace Radio' inspires Iraq's refugees and displaced

Radio Salam in northern Iraq focuses on the refugees and displaced in Iraq to spread hope and peace among them.

Iraq

Kurdish-backed militia launches Raqqa operation as another declares war on Turkey

Coming just days after the Pentagon began distributing weapons to the YPG, Turkey could easily construe threats of escalation by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons as proof that US support for the Syrian Kurds emboldens the Kurdistan Workers Party.

Syria

Jordan pins hopes on US-Russian accord on southern Syria

Amid talks about secret trilateral meetings being held in Amman between Jordan, the United States and Russia to establish a de-escalation zone in southern Syria, Jordan would reject the presence of Islamic State militants on its northern borders, or fighters supported by Iran.

Jordan