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
Syria contact group urges air drops, expanded cease-fire The International Syria Support Group, meeting in Vienna May 17, appeared to lower emphasis on Syria political talks as it urged shoring up a partial cease-fire and using air drops if needed to get aid to towns subjected to a type of "medieval" siege. Syria
UNESCO steps in to protect what's left of Syria's Palmyra Countless antiquities have been obliterated in the fierce fighting and rampant destruction in Syria, where the famous Palmyra archaeological site has lost a devastating portion of its treasures. Syria
How Russia sees Kurdish quest for autonomy Russia is carefully crafting its policies regarding Kurds, seeking to take a leadership role in the Syrian situation without actually offending anyone. Iraq
Syrian rebels weigh in on cease-fire Opposition fighters in Syria consider the cessation of hostilities 'negative,' although it has reduced civilian casualties. Syria
US, Russia to jointly monitor Syria cease-fire US Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said they hoped that a partial Syria cease-fire would be extended to Aleppo after the United States and Russia agreed to create a joint Syria cease-fire monitoring operation in Geneva, but fighting raged on in the city. Syria
US, Russia compete to woo Syrian Kurds The recent rapprochement between the Kurds and Russia is a new phase in the two sides' relations that date back to the 19th century, but Kurds do not want to alienate the United States either. Iraq
UN warns of 'catastrophic' breakdown of Syria cease-fire The United Nations warned of a catastrophic breakdown of the Syria cease-fire as the United States said it was outraged by what it initially assessed to be a deliberate Syrian regime airstrike on a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo. Syria
Russia, Israel navigate narrow straits in potentially turbulent waters Recent glad-handing between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked interest, and intrigue, in the Middle East and beyond. Palestine
Trump meets the DC foreign policy establishment Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump rolls out his "America First" foreign policy speech, leaving many unanswered questions about his plans to secure the United States and stabilize the world's trouble spots. Iraq
Salafi armed groups increase attacks in Syria UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura warns that the cessation of hostilities is in “great trouble.” Saudi Arabia
Syrian Kurds expand diplomatic network in Europe Despite Turkey’s blocking efforts, key Rojava actors PYD and YPG are opening office after office in Europe. Syria
Why Turkey frets over US-Russian relations Will Turkey’s leaders have to wait for the next US president to challenge Russia in the manner they would like? Syria
