Analysis Russia’s double game in Yemen: Backing Saudi Arabia while courting Houthis Despite public ties to Riyadh, Moscow allegedly aided Houthi Red Sea strikes via Iran to pressure the West beyond Ukraine. By Anton Mardasov
Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented. Syria
US hits major Russian bank VTB with Iran-linked sanctions State-controlled VTB becomes one of the most prominent global names yet caught up in Washington’s ongoing effort to squeeze Iran's economy. Iran
Why Turkey has few options to protect Black Sea shipping The Russia-Ukraine drone war is hitting Turkish commercial interests, exposing the limits of Ankara’s ability to protect shipping while remaining outside the conflict. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump threatens to bomb Oman By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Does the US want a war with Iran over Syria? Despite Trump’s initial caution about an indefinite military commitment, the risks of the United States getting drawn into the Syria conflict are growing. Saudi Arabia
US sees renewed leverage over Assad in Syria The Donald Trump administration is confident that its pressure is eroding the Syrian regime and its allies. Syria
Turkey’s complex balancing act between Russia and Ukraine President Erdogan’s desire to mediate between Moscow and Kiev is confounded by Turkish policies in Crimea and Russian separatism in eastern Ukraine. Turkey
Black Sea simmers as world awaits Kerch Strait fallout The Russia-Ukraine crisis could expand to affect many countries, and Turkey's position is potentially crucial. Turkey
Asia buoys Iran as US sanctions hit Iran is still selling considerable quantities of oil to China, Japan, India and South Korea thanks to US waivers and other mechanisms to circumvent sanctions. Iraq
