New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Russia reach deal on Russian bases Iran says no reason to fear Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi security pact; Yemeni military reports 7 killed in Houthi attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy Lebanon, Israel begin 7th round of talks in Rome; Turkey calls on Russia, Ukraine to ensure Black Sea safety after drone attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis From S-400s to SAMP/T: Turkey’s defense pivot gathers pace after NATO summit By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Military wipes its hands of Turkish politics Rumors and denials of a possible coup by the Turkish military are a symptom of the malignant political atmosphere in the country. Turkey
Will the Russians be able to help Lebanon get a new president? Russia’s withdrawal from Syria and the goodwill it generated in Arab circles, may allow it to play the role of mediator in Geneva and to help Lebanon fill its presidential vacuum. Saudi Arabia
Is Russia leaning away from Palestine? Russia recently described Palestinian attacks against Israelis as terrorist attacks, which might indicate a change in what Palestinians regarded as Moscow's balanced position. Palestine
US looks to sidestep UN on Iran missiles Blocked at the UN Security Council, the Obama administration considers other multilateral tools. Russia
US 'encouraged' by momentum in Syria peace talks As the partial Syria cease-fire holds for a month, the United States and Russia expressed cautious optimism that they have found agreement on ways to move the Syria peace process forward. Syria
Iran optimistic after Syrian forces retake Palmyra The recapture of Palmyra by the Syrian government has Iranian officials and media optimistic about the direction of Syria’s civil war. Syria
Kerry notes 'beneficial reduction' in Syrian violence Syrian cessation of hostilities holding at one month as Islamic State loses ground; Massoud Barzani says United States is turning a “blind eye” to Syrian Kurdish ally’s links to the Kurdistan Workers Party. Iraq
Is Iran becoming a major regional arms producer? If the current trajectory of arms deliveries continues, it appears that countries such as Iran, Russia and China are set to become the Middle East’s main weapons suppliers. Iraq
What Russia won by withdrawing from Syria Russian President Vladimir Putin’s drawdown of forces from Syria was carefully timed and shows Russia learned an important lesson in Afghanistan. Syria
How Tehran and Damascus view Russia’s latest Syria move Regardless of the partial Russian military withdrawal, it appears that other allies of the Syrian government are holding their ground. Lebanon
What Russia's withdrawal means for Syria conflict Opinions vary about the repercussions and motives behind Russian President Vladimir Putin’s partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria. Syria
What Russia's Syria shift means for Moscow-Riyadh ties Russia’s likely gradual and partial military withdrawal from Syria may minimize one of the irritants in the Russian-Saudi relationship, but it won’t address their fundamental differences. Saudi Arabia
