Sudan, Russia sign trade deals as Khartoum seeks funds, Moscow eyes Red Sea port The meeting in Moscow produced two agreements and an economic and trade cooperation protocol. Sudan
Russia, Iran sign deal to build small nuclear power plants: What to know As Iran grapples with energy shortages and renewed sanctions pressure, Tehran and Moscow signed a memorandum Wednesday to expand nuclear cooperation through the construction of small nuclear power plants. Iran
UK’s top spy uses farewell from Turkey to lure Russian recruits, sparks fury The outgoing MI6 chief called on Russians with "truths to share" to contact the agency, sparking diplomatic unease just days before Erdogan’s White House meeting. Turkey
Iran's nuclear chief in Moscow, eyes nuclear power plant deal with Russia Mohammad Eslami’s visit comes just a week after Russia’s energy minister was in Tehran, and a month after the CEO of Rosatom confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iran to build new nuclear plants in the country. Iran
Analysis After setbacks in Syria and Turkish gains in Libya, Russia scrambles to retain Mediterranean sway By Anton Mardasov
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
Can Iran mobilize allies to end US Mideast presence? Iran seeks an end to the US presence in the Middle East, but can it bring Russia and Turkey on board? Iraq
Could fragile cease-fire lead to peace in Libya? The warring parties in Libya agreed to a cease-fire, but the process remains fragile. Turkey
