New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Russia reach deal on Russian bases Iran says no reason to fear Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi security pact; Yemeni military reports 7 killed in Houthi attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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 By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
How Iran sees 'post-America' Syria Rather than gloating, Iran has adopted a cautious approach to the US withdrawal from Syria as it examines whether and how it will impact Washington’s greater strategy to contain its regional role. Syria
Can Russia succeed with Palestinians where Egypt has failed? Moscow has expressed its interest in facilitating an intra-Palestinian reconciliation as well as furthering Palestinian-Israeli relations, but Israel remains wary of such efforts. Palestine
Russia eyes greater Palestinian role The Russian Foreign Ministry announced its readiness to hold Fatah-Hamas talks to overcome the obstacles impeding internal reconciliation, amid an expected visit by head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh to Moscow. Palestine
Trump buries the hatchet with Erdogan over Syria The US troop withdrawal could also lead to a return of the 'art of the deal' with Putin. Israel
Erdogan gets his wish from Trump in Syria, but now what? Ankara fears that US President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to exit Syria could become a pyrrhic victory, as four main concerns could widen security vulnerabilities and trouble Turkey's president domestically. Syria
Israel concerned over American exit of Syria US withdrawal from Syria leaves Israel alone in the campaign against Iranian entrenchment there. Israel
Despite difficulties, Russia optimistic about Syria's Constitutional Committee Though the UN has yet to confirm who will serve on Syria's Constitutional Committee, the Astana trio is optimistic about the committee's overall prospects, especially after the United States announced it will withdraw its troops from Syria. Syria
How does Turkey's threatened Syria invasion play elsewhere? As Turkey prepares for a possible offensive against Kurdish militias in Syria, Moscow is watching for any mistakes that multiple players, including the Unites States and the United Arab Emirates, might make in their efforts to deter the operation. Syria
Iran media on Bashir trip to Syria: Arab states have accepted reality of Assad Iranian media believe that the Sudanese president's meeting with Bashar al-Assad is a sign that Arab countries are beginning to accept the reality on the ground in Syria. Saudi Arabia
Are embattled Libyans ready to welcome another Gadhafi? Russia is playing an increasing role in efforts to end the Libyan crisis and is talking with parties representing all sides, including Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, son of late dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Libya
Can Russia, China cooperate on the Middle East? Russia and China seek to reinforce cooperation over the Middle East, but each approaches the region with its own rationale. Syria
Iran, Russia-led bloc move toward free trade The Iranian government is widening channels of trade with Eurasia and India in an effort to dodge the impacts of reimposed US sanctions. Russia