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
Can Trump, Erdogan pick up the pieces in Syria? Putin gains from the fallout in US-Turkey ties and the Kurds are still counting on US influence with Ankara. Syria
Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring effectively divides Syria into five sectors The essential division of northeastern Syria into five sectors has created a highly combustible environment where one small spark is enough to start a massive fire. Syria
How Russia sees protests in Lebanon, Iraq Russian officials have adopted a wait and see approach to the ongoing protests in Lebanon and Iraq, but the stance has some principles Moscow follows. Iraq
What messages lie behind Assad’s visit to southern Idlib? Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s recent visit to the front line in southern Idlib province raised controversy and questions among opposition forces about Assad's goals and what messages he might have been sending — and to whom. Syria
Russia, Egypt look to boost military ties Russia and Egypt held military exercises as a token of Moscow's increased interest in expanding cooperation with Cairo. Egypt
Turkey faces uphill battle to improve image after Syria operation The Turkish president is maintaining his hard line, which indicates that Ankara’s ties with the international community will remain strained. Syria
Ankara faces hostility in north Syria as Turkish-Russian patrols continue Crowds threw stones and eggs at Turkish-Russian convoys as they entered the predominantly Kurdish town of Kobani in northern Syria. Syria
Is the PKK worried by the YPG's growing popularity? The PKK, known for its hierarchical nature and its discipline, may be displeased by the growing global visibility of the Syrian YPG. Syria
Where the Russia-Turkey deal leaves players on the ground The initial glow of the Putin-Erdogan deal has faded, and the parties are now in for some on-the-ground challenges. Syria
Kurdish self-administration under fire People living to the east of the Euphrates in Syria wonder about the fate of the Kurdish self-administration after the Turkish military attack and the recent Russian, Turkish and US political agreements on the status of this region. Syria
Kurds in northeast Syria feel abandoned by allies Russian military police began joint patrols with Turkish forces near the Syrian-Turkish border as part of an agreement under which Kurdish fighters would withdraw from the area. Syria
Astana trio, UN launch Syrian Constitutional Committee The launch of the Syrian Constitutional Committee provides hopes for a fresh start, but there's also enough room for skepticism. Syria
