Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy Lebanon, Israel begin 7th round of talks in Rome; Turkey calls on Russia, Ukraine to ensure Black Sea safety after drone attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US extends Iran strikes to bridges, airport Trump taps Russia-born investor to oversee TRIPP; France-Morocco energy cooperation grows as heat waves pressure Europe; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russian couple faces deportation from Turkey after Bible reading at Hagia Sophia The couple were detained after reading from the Bible inside the Istanbul landmark, which remains one of Christianity’s most important historic sites despite its conversion into a mosque. Turkey
Analysis From S-400s to SAMP/T: Turkey’s defense pivot gathers pace after NATO summit By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran hits Gulf, warns Hormuz will reopen on its terms By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia, Turkey plugging away at Syria's northeast, Idlib Amid complications with Turkey, Russia claims it stays the course in Syria. Syria
Russia faces dilemmas in northeastern Syria While it has added some fortifications, Moscow is challenged with new political and military uncertainty over Syria's northeast. Syria
Djerejian: In addressing uprisings in Middle East, first 'do no harm' Former US diplomat Edward Djerejian also sees opportunity for US diplomacy in Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia
Turkey remains determined to keep Russian missiles After last week’s meeting between the US and Turkish presidents, some in Washington seem hopeful Turkey won't activate its Russian-made S-400 missile system, but Ankara insists Turkey didn’t buy the $2 billion weapons system to mothball it. Turkey
Congress moves to sanction Russians for mercenary surge in Libya The US National Security Council has begun a review of US policy involving Libya as a congressional bill seeks to sanction Russian mercenaries who have undertaken operations in the war-torn North African country. Libya
Did Turkey backstab Syrian opposition's National Army? Turkey's catch-and-release handling of 18 regime fighters captured by the Syrian opposition shocked many opposition forces. Syria
Russia seems set to establish new military base in northeast Syria Russia has been fortifying its military presence in Qamishli and appears to be constructing a military base there, its third in Syria. Syria
Million-dollar lobbying campaign against Kuwait suffers major setback A Kuwaiti court has sentenced a Russian businesswoman to 15 years of hard labor despite pressure from former US officials. Here's who's behind the campaign to release Marsha Lazareva. United Arab Emirates
Intel: What Russia’s defense minister is up to in Egypt Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is leading a military delegation to Egypt for the sixth session of the two countries' joint commission on defense cooperation. Egypt
Russia chides Turkey over Idlib — again Russia's foreign minister has demanded Turkey end tensions in Syria's Idlib, indicating Russia will continue to use Idlib as a pressure point to keep Ankara in line. Syria
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
