Turkey claims 'no need' for US, EU as Western ties deteriorate

After a week of sparring with the United States, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused European allies of undermining Turkey and dared them to walk away from EU membership talks.

Turkey

With evacuations looming, 'de-escalation zone' announced for south Damascus

New "de-escalation" initiative presents new status quo for south Damascus suburbs, but how will it work?

Egypt

Iran Quds commander pays respects at Talabani's tomb as Kirkuk crisis escalates

Qasem Soleimani in Iraqi Kurdistan; Turkey looks to Syrian tribes for allies; UN Syria envoy seeks to build on cease-fire progress with "realism."

Saudi Arabia

Erdogan’s antics keep Russia on its toes

Turkey’s president takes actions that sometimes seem like self-sabotage, like surprising Moscow with his recent statements on the Crimean Peninsula and his decision to complicate Russia’s export procedures.

Syria

Congress pushes for new Iran sanctions amid Iran deal uncertainty

With Trump set to announce a new, hard-line strategy on Iran today, lawmakers are advancing more sanctions on Tehran and its proxies.

Syria

Huntsman heads to Russia to tackle Mideast, China

New US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr., a seasoned diplomat and no close friend of President Donald Trump, has his work cut out for him.

Russia

Bottom line in Syria: No one is safe yet

A battle begins in Syria between opposition moderates and the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, as the latter also fights its radical rival, the Islamic State.

Syria

Saudis could seek Russian bailout in Yemen

Saudi Arabia is eager to put an end to the Yemeni conflict, and Russian mediation is looking like its best option.

Saudi Arabia

How Salman’s Moscow visit will impact regional agenda

The historic visit of Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud to Russia was largely symbolic, as his son, who has increasingly taken over the Russia file, stayed home to look after the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia

Can Putin stop Erdogan from shutting down Iraqi Kurdish pipeline?

In a visit to Tehran, Turkish president coordinates next steps with Iranian leaders; Cengiz Candar on the loss of former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani; Al-Monitor receives prestigious Online Journalism Award for explanatory reporting.

Iraq

US missile defense sale to Saudis seen as effort to thwart Russia

The Donald Trump administration OK’d a $15 billion sale of anti-missile technology to Saudi Arabia after Riyadh moved to buy a rival Russian system.

Saudi Arabia

Russians, Saudis look to spruce up relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman reached around their differences to sign lucrative agreements and improve relations, but the differences are still there.

Saudi Arabia