Israeli-Russian journalist removed from Netanyahu’s US flight: What to know Israeli-Russian journalist Nick Kolyohin was removed from the official Israeli Wing of Zion plane just before its departure for Washington, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump. Israel
Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
Putin meets Iran’s top security official as Trump says Tehran wants deal President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is seeking a nuclear deal but declined to specify a timeline for negotiations. Iran
UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia
As popularity rises, Iran tries to control Telegram messaging app Iranian authorities have asked Telegram messaging service to block "immoral" content. Russia
Is Russian intervention in Syria pushing 'moderate jihadis' toward Islamic State? Russia's attacks on "moderate jihadi" groups appears to be pushing them to consider the possibility of uniting under the umbrella of the Islamic State. Syria
No breakthrough in Syria possible without Iran Russian foreign minister dismisses rumors of a deal on Assad ahead of Syria talks; Hezbollah takes casualties in Hama; Turkey’s headache over US support for Syrian Kurds; days of rage in Gaza. Palestine
Senate to grill Kerry on Russian war in Syria A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of Oct. 26. Iraq
Could Egypt be key to political solution in Syria? The Russian air operation in Syria, the US suspension of its training program for new Syrian rebels and its rapprochement with Iran call for an Egyptian mediation to end the war in Syria. Saudi Arabia
How Turkey is planning for Assad-led transition in Syria Ankara, still blurry, now agrees to name Bashar al-Assad ‘honorary president’ for six months. Syria
How the Syrian regime forces are attacking opposition under Russian cover It seems the Syrian regime forces are trying to undermine the opposition’s presence on the Syrian coast, as they attacked the Free Syrian Army’s strongholds under a Russian air cover. Syria
Can Iraq meet US, Russia halfway? As political forces have called for Russia to intervene in Iraq, as it has in Syria, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has been cautious about what steps to take regarding Russia and the United States. Iraq
Ankara’s PYD headache There is little Turkey can do at this stage to prevent Kurdish advances in northern Syria as they receive munitions to battle the Islamic State. Syria
How Turkey is leveraging the Kurds By threatening Syrian Kurds, Turkey is settling accounts with its ally, the United States, and trade partner Russia. Syria
Is it time for a surge in Syria? A group of current and former US officials concludes that current US policy toward the Islamic State is not working, and that more needs to be done in both the diplomatic and military spheres to end the Syrian civil war. Iraq
Russia rising From its new international stage in Syria, Russia is examining its options to determine which could bring it closest to securing a place as a political powerhouse. Syria
