Moscow eyes working with tribes as its next move in Syria

Many major players are working to resolve the Syrian civil war, but Russia is finding that some smaller groups — local tribes — could play a significant role.

Syria

Iranian officials, media warn against Russian game

Iranian media and officials warn parents about Blue Whale, a Russian game that entices players to commit suicide.

Russia

How Iran is winning game of chess in Kirkuk

Iran’s game in Kirkuk is a microcosm of how its shrewd, long-term investment in Iraq is paying dividends.

Iraq

Did Khamenei block Rouhani’s science minister?

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has finally introduced two names for the Science Ministry and Energy Ministry positions, although the battles appear to be far from over.

Iran

How Trump has propped up Rouhani

Rather than undermining Iran's government, Donald Trump's hostile rhetoric may be strengthening President Hassan Rouhani and uniting Iranians around his administration.

Iran

Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq?

Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq."

Iraq

Surging imports wipe out Iran’s trade surplus

Rapidly increasing imports wipe out the Rouhani administration’s positive trade balance, shining a light on the need to further promote exports.

Iran

Kurds in Iraq: Back to square one?

The sudden shift in the balance of power between Iraq and its Kurdistan Region has been stunning, even by Middle East standards.

Iraq

To counter Iranian sway, US promotes Iraqi-Saudi ties

Top Trump administration officials say they see countering Iranian influence in Iraq as important to strengthening Baghdad and preventing destabilizing fissures that helped make way for the Islamic State.

Saudi Arabia

Following Islamic State ouster, tribes key to stability in eastern Syria

After the ouster of the Islamic State from the oil-rich Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria, several issues are expected to complicate efforts to stabilize the region.

Syria

Is Iran’s former Reformist president under house arrest?

Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami was prevented from leaving his home to attend a meeting with other political figures.

Iran

‘Arabian Gulf’ ruckus rallies Iranians around the flag

While President Trump’s reference to the ‘Arabian Gulf’ rallies Iranians around the flag, Tehran is closely paying attention to how Europe is moving on other points of contention — including its ballistic missile program.

United States