Saudi Arabia signs first visa-free travel agreement with Russia: What to know The deal will allow citizens of either country to enter visa-free for 90 days for tourism, business and family visits. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Russia advance construction at Dabaa nuclear plant: What to know The Dabaa nuclear plant could help Egypt address its energy woes while boosting cooperation with Russia. Egypt
Analysis Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint Israelis welcome the US effort but fear losing decision-making power and the ability to protect their interests as the US troop presence in the region looks set to further expand. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Russia, Iran to boost ties in ‘all areas’ as Tehran claims nuclear restrictions expired The cooperation pledges follow the weekend's joint letter from Russia, Iran and China to the UN, disputing the validity of reimposing sanctions on Iran. Iran
Analysis From flights to electricity grids, Turkey-Armenia ties slowly advance By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Russian-Iranian competition heats up in South Caucasus For Moscow, contradictions with Tehran may turn out to be much more sensitive than disputes with Ankara. Russia
Putin, Erdogan hold closed-door summit in Sochi Few details were released about the substance of the relatively brief meeting, but progress on Syria will be difficult to achieve. Russia
Syrian officials, SDF look to Russia for support against Turkey Opposition group granted 'positive' meeting in Moscow as all sides wait to learn next US move in the region. Syria
Russia tries to leverage ties with Taliban in Mideast policies Russia's invitation to the Taliban's since-canceled inauguration ceremony indicates a special relationship has developed between Moscow and the Taliban. Russia
Iran's Raisi to meet Putin as states mull Taliban recognition In his first foreign visit as Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi will sit down with Russian and Pakistani leaders amid new regional dynamics triggered by the US departure from Afghanistan. Iran
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear diplomacy creeps forward in Moscow and Paris Also: Taliban’s success inspires Syrian jihadis; Russia’s delicate diplomacy in Syria and Turkey; Nile dam parley peters out; IDF snared in political rift; Egypt’s Avenue of the Sphinxes; and more … in only about 1,500 words. Iran
Can Russia maintain status quo in Syria's Daraa despite Assad, Iran? The Russian-brokered cease-fire agreement is evidence of Moscow's complex positioning in southwest Syria. Russia
Are Syrian jihadis ready to take the fight to Afghanistan? Afghanistan revives terror challenges for Washington; Russia anticipates security vacuum; Erdogan senses an opportunity. Syria
As Syria’s foreign jihadis eye Afghanistan, new challenges arise for Moscow The potential that foreign fighters may move from Syria’s Idlib province to Afghanistan could pose major threats to Russia and its Central Asian allies. Russia
Russian rebuke of Turkey for Crimea support highlights Ankara's delicate balancing act Turkey's support for Crimea also highlights the growing value of Ukraine and Crimea for Ankara. Turkey
Russia recalibrates coordination with new Israeli government in Syria There are indications the Kremlin is about to revise its approach to Israel in order to force the Israel Defense Forces into accepting new rules of the regional game. Russia
Russia tries to compete with US in Mideast weapons market Russia's prospects in the Middle East arms market will depend on its ability to master fast production of the latest models of military equipment. Russia
