Putin hosts Iran’s FM as Tehran strikes US bases Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Monday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a day after US airstrikes hit three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran
Was Maher al-Assad, brother of ousted Syrian president, spotted in Moscow? Maher al-Assad is wanted for war crimes and reportedly fled to Russia by way of Iraq as rebel forces took over Syria. Syria
UAE's MBZ and Putin hold call as Gulf, Russia push diplomacy on Iran-Israel Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be courting Gulf support for a diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Iran
Analysis Can Russia broker Iran-Israel deal as Putin looks to divert West from Ukraine? A mediating role between Tehran and Tel Aviv could help the Kremlin boost its credentials as well as turn attention away from ongoing war in Ukraine. By Kasia A. Houghton
Analysis Russia's Putin offers Trump help on Iran, likely with strings attached 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 By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Turkey gains clout in Libya negotiations following Berlin conference Though observers expect few on-the-ground changes in the Libyan conflict after the Berlin conference, Turkish leaders have secured a seat at the negotiating table moving forward. Turkey
Russian paper gives Erdogan poor marks at Libya peace conference President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not get what he wanted at the Libya peace conference in Berlin, but how much of a setback was that for Turkey? Turkey
Syrian opposition: No civilians crossing to regime-held areas Syrian government forces and their Russian allies have opened three crossings in the northwestern province of Idlib to allow civilians to flee, but the opposition claims no civilians have crossed into the government-controlled areas. Syria
Russia’s 'leading from behind' strategy on Libya Russia’s Libya policy is less about Libya and more about Europe, hence Moscow’s preference to let the Europeans take the public lead on the conflict. Syria
Algeria strives to regain prominence as world powers debate Libya's future Despite Algeria's best efforts, nine years of conflict in neighboring Libya have essentially brought an international proxy war to Algiers' doorstep. United Arab Emirates
Turkey’s Libya strategy: cure has become worse than disease The only positive outcome of Turkey’s "tension strategy" on Libya has been paving the way for the Berlin Libya conference on Jan. 14. Turkey
Who is Israel commemorating at Holocaust remembrance event? Israeli and Jewish politicians and wheeler-dealers are turning Holocaust remembrance events into a political mingling arena. Israel
From Russia with love: Turkish and Syrian spymasters meet in Moscow The Moscow meeting between the Turkish and Syrian intelligence chiefs could suggest that a normalization process has finally kicked off between Ankara and Damascus. Syria
Why some Israelis criticize Putin’s imminent visit The upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his participation in the ceremony commemorating 75 years to the liberation of Auschwitz and his inauguration of the monument commemorating the Leningrad blockade stir up mixed emotions. Israel
Will Russian government shake-up impact Moscow’s Mideast policy? The surprise resignation of the Russian Cabinet and a possible new role for Putin when his presidential term ends in 2024 raise questions about possible changes in Russian foreign policy. Russia
Can Libya be turned around and become Russia's 'second Syria'? Russia took an opportunity to mediate between the warring parties in Libya only to see Khalifa Hifter turn his back on Moscow's initiative — perhaps, just for now. Syria
As Russia mediates Syria-Turkey talks, can new Idlib truce hold? As the international spotlight was on intra-Libyan talks in Moscow, Russia mediated talks between Syria-Turkey security chiefs Syria
