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
In latest peace plans for Syria, Assad can stay Peace proposals by Russia, the UN secretary-general's special envoy and a European think tank are making news. Syria
Despite differences, Turkey, Russia forge on President Vladimir Putin plans to travel to Ankara soon to “open up new horizons” in Turkish-Russian ties, even if the two countries differ on issues such as Syria, Ukraine and Cyprus. Turkey
Syrian official: negotiations with US blocked by Saudi Arabia A Syrian official spoke on the continued gains of the Syrian army, the failings of the international coalition and chances of talks between the opposing parties. Lebanon
Military presence increases in eastern Mediterranean Regional crises and economic squabbles have led to a military buildup in the eastern Mediterranean that threatens to shift from feints and preparation to armed conflict as Russian and NATO forces further complicate the situation. Turkey
Russia holds firm on Syria Moscow is clinging tightly to its Syria policy, believing that the regime is the best option for controlling the Islamic State and worrying over the economic situation that will inevitably emerge from the conflicts there. Syria
US-Russia cooperation needed in IS fight The United States should reconsider its harsh rhetoric toward Russia, as the two countries could constructively cooperate in the fight against the Islamic State. Syria
IS threat unlikely to help US, Russia bridge divide A common fear of the Islamic State does not appear to be enough for the United States and Russia to resolve their differences over Ukraine and other issues, despite positive signs from a meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Paris. Iraq
Looking behind the Russia-Iran relationship Despite the common perception of Russia as Iran's main backer outside the region, the two big regional players’ relations are shaped by long-term interests that can clash with immediate concerns and may complicate the battle against the Islamic State. Russia
How US airstrikes are affecting Moscow's Syria policy A central goal of Russia's Syria policy is to relegitimize the Syrian regime in the eyes of the United States and its allies in the region, and oblige them to recognize it as an ally in the fight against extremism. Syria
Moscow backs fight against IS … to an extent Russia is expressing cautious solidarity with the United States in fighting the Islamic State, while continuing its unequivocal support of the Syrian government. Iraq
What will Turkey do if Russia turns off gas? The risk of Russia cutting gas supplies to Europe amid the Ukraine crisis has exposed Turkey’s energy vulnerability, with Istanbul, its most populous city and main industrial hub, dependent on Russian gas. Turkey
How much of US Middle East policy does Moscow understand? Poor understanding of US and Russian policies has caused commentators to overlook that some of Moscow's and Washington's disagreements over the Middle East are strategic and tactical, but their ends the same. Iraq
