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
Will gas thaw the ice between Russia, Turkey? Russia’s interest in crucial energy projects with Turkey may facilitate fence-mending between the two countries after months of crisis. Turkey
Is Russia readying for the kill in Syria? Russia is likely preparing for a major assault on Jabhat al-Nusra and affiliated groups in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. Syria
Is Egypt taking lessons from Russia when it comes to wooing youth? Similar to Putin’s Nashi youth movement, is Sisi creating the Fourth Army to use the youth to his advantage? Egypt
Can US, Turkey keep up appearances in Syria? Russia weighs escalation in Syria; CENTCOM commander seeks to balance Turkey, Syrian Kurds in campaign against Islamic State; return to Sur. Syria
Will Russia adopt 'first to strike' policy in Syria? Bombings in Tartus and Jableh have led Russia to reassess the risks it faces in Syria. Lebanon
Expect repercussions from deadly Latakia attacks All players in the Syrian war are scrutinizing the recent bloody assaults on Syrian civilians and the range of results that are likely. Syria
Erdogan irked as major players snub humanitarian summit Turkey was expecting representatives from "all" countries to attend the first World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. Syria
Syrians describe 'most dangerous journey ever' fleeing IS territories Civilians in areas under IS control are barred from leaving, but many are nonetheless risking their lives to flee the group's grip. Syria
Why hasn't Egypt taken a clear stance on Syria? Since Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi came to power two years ago, Egypt has repeatedly stated that it wants to preserve the Syrian state and army, but it has been vague when it comes to voicing an opinion on the regime itself. Egypt
US should accept Russian offer to coordinate strikes on Jabhat al-Nusra US-Russian joint action would be a step forward to defeat al-Qaeda affiliate; US rejects Russian bid to designate Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam as terrorist groups; Nasrallah vows deeper commitment to Syria following death of top commander. Lebanon
Why Iran should focus on Turkey, not Russia, for Syria cooperation Despite all talk of a nascent Russian-Iranian alliance, it appears that Iranian interests — and the objective of peace in Syria — are perhaps best served through Iranian-Turkish cooperation. Turkey
Turkish ambassador calls joining EU Ankara’s 'strategic objective' In a wide-ranging interview with Al-Monitor, Turkish Ambassador to France Hakki Akil discussed Turkey’s perspectives on a safe zone in Syria, the migration crisis, Turkey’s progress toward EU membership, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Russian intervention in Syria and the possibility of international intervention in Libya. Syria
