Analysis Pragmatic politics: Why Turkey avoids blaming Russia for Black Sea attacks Beyond economics, Ankara’s approach is also shaped by maintaining its role as an indispensable mediator between the Kremlin and the West. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Putin offers to help end Iran war, but can Russia deliver? As Washington and Tehran weigh their next moves, Moscow is seeking a diplomatic foothold in a war where influence may prove harder to convert into concrete results. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
Analysis Russia’s double game in Yemen: Backing Saudi Arabia while courting Houthis Despite public ties to Riyadh, Moscow allegedly aided Houthi Red Sea strikes via Iran to pressure the West beyond Ukraine. By Anton Mardasov
How serious is Russia's commitment to Libya settlement? Now that recent talks to unite Libya's rival governments have failed, observers are evaluating the extent of Moscow's investment in peaceful reconciliation. Egypt
No breakthrough expected at new Syria talks Expectations were modest for a new round of Syria talks set to get underway in Geneva Feb. 23, with the new US administration still formulating its policies. Syria
Israel defense minister: We must coordinate moves with Trump In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman confirmed that he still supports a two-state solution, but one involving population as well as land swaps and as one part of a regional agreement. Palestine
Why Moscow now sees value in Syrian local councils Russia has come to realize that some opponents of the Syrian regime are actually moderates rather than terrorists and that a move to empower local governments could help resolve the conflict. Syria
Will Turkey get its way in Raqqa? Turkey is trying to balance its precarious relationships with the United States and Russia while still getting what it wants in Syria. Iraq
Erdogan banks on motley crew of Syrian armed groups Turkey’s Syria partners seen as "ill-disciplined, untrained and inexperienced"; Erodgan links opposition to referendum to coup plotters; Mattis rules out US-Russia military cooperation "for now." Syria
Could Flynn actually have been good for Iran-US relations? Iranian media generally accept that Michael Flynn, who resigned after 23 days as US national security adviser, was an anti-Iran hawk, though some believe his relations with Russia could have proved useful in changing the Trump administration’s policies toward Iran. Russia
Are Russia, US ready to cooperate on Syria and beyond? Moscow is taking a wait-and-see position as the new US administration takes shape, but Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to see the potential for military and political cooperation with the US not witnessed since World War II. Syria
Congress preparing new round of Syria sanctions The House and Senate are ready to take on Russia's support for Damascus but differ on timing. Syria
Can fragile Ankara-Moscow friendship survive Russian strike? Though Turkey and Russia are working ever more closely together in Syria, the two cautious allies are holding back over their policy disconnects and incidents like the Russian airstrike that killed four Turkish soldiers near al-Bab. Syria
Russia’s strategic vision for Israel Russia considers itself a potential major partner to Israel and a key player in bringing stabilization to the Middle East. Palestine
Erdogan caught between Trump, Putin in Syria war The Turkish government's spokesman says al-Bab will be the last stop of the Turkish army in Syria, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkish forces will march on to Raqqa. Syria
