Analysis Russia's Putin offers Trump help on Iran, likely with strings attached As Iran weighs the US proposal for a nuclear deal, Russia has volunteered to play a role facilitating future talks. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya A sweeping display of arms and alliances in Benghazi reflects Khalifa Haftar’s effort to project statehood, Moscow’s deeper investment in Libya, and a shifting power balance that could reshape peace prospects. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Egypt to ramp up ties with Belarus as Russia opens Red Sea consulate Russia plans to open a new consulate in coastal Sharm el-Sheikh, following Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Moscow and signs of growing ties between Egypt and Belarus. Egypt
Turkey’s Fidan in Russia as Trump accuses Putin of ‘needless’ killing in Ukraine The top Turkish diplomat’s Moscow visit follows Istanbul peace talks and the US president's rare criticism of the Russian leader. Turkey
Following Russian expansion, roadblocks in northeast Syria delineate zones of US control US forces have been preventing Russian patrols from advancing along the M4 highway and around al-Malikiyya in northeastern Syria near the Turkish and Iraqi borders. Syria
Intel: What's behind Russian Defense Ministry anger at Israeli strikes in Syria? The Russian Defense Ministry slammed Israel on Feb. 7 for what the ministry considered a provocation in the skies over Syria. Israel
Syria’s Kurds embrace resilience, beauty in wake of Turkish attack Turkey's invasion of northeastern Syria has changed the lives of Kurdish residents in myriad ways, from a bump in confidence-boosting cosmetic surgery to pervasive anxiety over whether Turkey will strike again. Syria
Why are more Russians buying property in Turkey? Despite political tensions between Moscow and Ankara, Russians are increasingly purchasing property in Turkey. Turkey
Erdogan, Putin endure marriage of convenience The Turkish and Russian leaders may be unhappy partners, but it is clear that they are committed to each other in Syria's Idlib. Syria
Intel: Why Russia went on counteroffensive against US criticism over Idlib The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the killing of “several Russian and Turkish military specialists” in the Idlid de-escalation zone. Syria
US envoy presses Russia to halt Syrian offensive on Idlib A top US envoy today pressed Russia to get the Syrian regime to halt a military offensive into the northwestern Syrian enclave of Idlib that has driven some half a million people to flee their homes since December. Syria
Recent escalations in Idlib present Russia with tall order As the situation in Idlib heats up, Russian-Turkish "marriage of convenience" gets tested, but it may be too early to call for the divorce. Syria
Syria clashes, Ukraine visit test Turkey-Russia relations Despite their opposing interests, analysts expect continued Ankara-Moscow collaboration following clashes between Turkish troops and Russia-backed Syrian forces. Syria
Will developments in Idlib force Ankara to turn to the West again? Analysts say Turkey and Russia were always on a collision course in Syria due to their radically differing positions. Syria
Escalation in Syria and Libya tests limits of Erdogan-Putin ties The recent escalation in Libya and Syria has put on display the limits of the relationship between the Turkish and Russian presidents. Syria
Turkey says dozens killed in clashes with Syrian troops Turkey shelled some 50 Syrian government targets after its soldiers came under attack in Idlib province in fighting that threatens to drag Turkey deeper into the prolonged conflict and undermine its relations with Russia. Syria
