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
Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented. Syria
US hits major Russian bank VTB with Iran-linked sanctions State-controlled VTB becomes one of the most prominent global names yet caught up in Washington’s ongoing effort to squeeze Iran's economy. Iran
Why Turkey has few options to protect Black Sea shipping The Russia-Ukraine drone war is hitting Turkish commercial interests, exposing the limits of Ankara’s ability to protect shipping while remaining outside the conflict. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump threatens to bomb Oman By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia's outreach to Syrian Kurds highlights dual-track approach While Russia blames the United States for adding fuel to the fire of Kurdish separatism, it calls on the Syrian Kurds to lay the groundwork for constitutional reform, so as to contain conflict in the territories over which Damascus has long lost control. Syria
Erdogan dealt strong hand against Putin in Azerbaijan-Armenia war Turkey is taking advantage of Russian dilemmas to claim a role in the Caucasus by backing for Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. Turkey
Russia may sell S-400 to Iran after UN embargo expires, ambassador says Russia’s ambassador to Iran said Saturday that the Kremlin may sell its S-400 missile defense system to Tehran after the UN arms embargo expires later this month. Russia
Egypt turns to Russia to save decaying railway authority Russia is cooperating with Egypt on developing the Egyptian Railway Authority, which has suffered heavy financial losses. Egypt
Turkey backs Azerbaijan in war with Armenia as Russia stands by The flare-up between Azerbaijan Armenia may have been planned by Azerbaijan and its regional ally Turkey, leaving Russia's intentions in supporting Turkey and Azerbaijan in question. Turkey
Can Azeri-Armenian flare-up grow into big regional conflict? The Nagorno-Karabagh clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia could evolve into a war of attrition, but none of the regional heavyweights want a conventional war in the region. Turkey
Turkey backs Azerbaijan against Armenia as war looms over Caucasus Armenia and Azerbaijan are once again fighting over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in a conflict that could draw in Russia and Turkey. Turkey
Iran, Russia discuss producing COVID-19 vaccine Russia’s sovereign wealth fund has been in talks over manufacturing the vaccine with Iran and a number of other countries. Russia
Turkey's military deterrence breaks down in Syria's last rebel stronghold Despite Turkey’s efforts to maintain the status quo in Idlib, a Russian-backed Syrian assault seems increasingly likely. Syria
Intel: Russia to pursue military cooperation with Iran once arms embargo expires Iran's foreign minister, who mocked US efforts to renew the embargo, is headed to Moscow Thursday. Russia
US deploys Bradley armored vehicles to Syria after dustups with Russia’s troops Four US service members were injured last month when a Russian troop carrier rammed a US military vehicle. Syria
Russia pushes COVID-19 vaccine in Egypt Moscow is busily promoting its COVID-19 vaccine in Egypt, which it hopes to recruit for testing and production purposes. Egypt