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 Trump taps Russia-born investor to oversee TRIPP; France-Morocco energy cooperation grows as heat waves pressure Europe; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russian couple faces deportation from Turkey after Bible reading at Hagia Sophia The couple were detained after reading from the Bible inside the Istanbul landmark, which remains one of Christianity’s most important historic sites despite its conversion into a mosque. Turkey
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
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran hits Gulf, warns Hormuz will reopen on its terms By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia recalibrates coordination with new Israeli government in Syria There are indications the Kremlin is about to revise its approach to Israel in order to force the Israel Defense Forces into accepting new rules of the regional game. Russia
Russia tries to compete with US in Mideast weapons market Russia's prospects in the Middle East arms market will depend on its ability to master fast production of the latest models of military equipment. Russia
Kremlin's vaccine diplomacy finds trouble in Middle East Deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine are as controversial as the vaccine itself. Russia
Confrontation between US, pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq poses challenges for Russia While Moscow does not yet have the resources to eliminate Iranian influence in Syria, it would be in its interests to at least prevent the expansion of the activities of pro-Iranian paramilitary structures. Syria
Iran to acquire Russian high-resolution recon satellite Russia is set to give Iran a satellite that could spy on Tehran's potential military targets. Russia
Russia looks for way back into Yemen Moscow appears to be making some tentative steps for a deeper engagement in the Yemen war. Russia
US cranks up diplomacy with Russia to keep Syria’s last humanitarian aid corridor open The fate of millions of Syrians hangs in the balance as Russia threatens to shut a crossing vital to humanitarian aid. Syria
Will Syria come up in Biden-Putin summit? US pressing to maintain humanitarian corridors into Syria; Erdogan’s issues with US Syria policy; UN envoy refers to Syria’s "tragic irony." Russia
Russia reveals deployment of nuclear-capable bombers to Syria airbase Moscow has reportedly landed Tupolev Tu-22 bombers at Syria's Hmeimim Air Base for the first time. Syria
Moscow looks to expand role in Mideast peace process Official Russian statements on the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas indicate Moscow is looking for a larger diplomatic role. Russia
Turkish-Russian ties marked more by rivalry than cooperation today President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believed Russia would provide him leverage against the United States and Europe after Turkey’s ties with the West took a nosedive. Turkey
Taliban, Assad continue to unite Russia, Iran While Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed ways to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal in his visit to Tehran this week, the topics of Syria and Afghanistan also featured prominently on the agenda. Russia
