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
US, Russia face off in Middle East US-Russian relations involving the Middle East could be affected by the new US National Military Strategy, which sees a low but growing risk of an "interstate war with a major power." Russia
China, Turkey: friends or foes? Turkey's manipulative news reports of China's massacres of fasting Uighurs recently upended China-Turkey relations. Turkey
Did Moscow’s 'air defense' diplomacy land Saudi deal? After decades of disappointment, it appears Russia might finally become an arms supplier to Saudi Arabia, after also reaching deals with Iran and Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
How stronger Russia-Saudi ties may be threat to Assad The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince to Russia suggests a possible progression in Saudi-Russia relations. But what implications could such an alliance have on regional conflicts, particularly the Syrian crisis? Saudi Arabia
Did Khamenei blur his own red lines on sanctions? Supreme Leader Khamenei gives strong backing for Iran’s negotiating team heading into Vienna talks; Assad holds off on hitting Islamic State, for now; Israel forced to clarify position on Jabhat al-Nusra; Egypt seeks to counter Turkey’s role in Syria. Egypt
Saudi deputy crown prince seeks Russia deals Saudi Arabia's minister of defense signed several cooperation agreements with Russia this past week. Saudi Arabia
Putin, Erdogan meet face to face, but don't see eye to eye The recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Azerbaijan appears to reflect a mutual irritation between the two parties. Turkey
US-Russia relations still tense after Kerry's visit US Secretary of State John Kerry's recent visit to Moscow was indicative of the US policy of "selective engagement" with Russia. Russia
Why Russia's Mideast agenda doesn't appeal to GCC Both Russia and the Gulf states have pursued divergent foreign policies for years, though some may be ready for an alliance. Legacy: Gulf
Eastern patriarchs meet in Damascus The Eastern patriarchs met in Damascus on June 8 to discuss the Christians’ situation in the region, following coordinating efforts between Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai and the Vatican, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi and Moscow. Lebanon
Russia mulls strategy to solve Syrian conflict Moscow continues to see the Syrian president as an important ally in the struggle against extremists, and its support for an inclusive national dialogue prompted the Russian Foreign Ministry to host two inter-Syrian consultative meetings that appear to have played a positive role. Syria
Russia and the nuclear-free zone While Russia blames the US, the UK and Canada for not supporting a recent international agreement on a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy firm is said to be exploring the options of providing Saudi Arabia with a nuclear power plant. Russia
