Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says US strikes render April ceasefire ‘meaningless’ Fresh US strikes and Iranian retaliation deepen regional tensions, while Washington tightens sanctions, France pushes for a larger role in Lebanon, and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia in talks on 'reformatting' its military sites in Syria: What to know Moscow signals it wants to maintain its presence in Syria, where President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently said that Russian bases will be converted into training centers. Syria
Interview Armenia candidate Tatoyan eyes Pashinyan's pro-West mantle in sea of Russia-backed rivals In an interview from Yerevan, Armenian opposition candidate Arman Tatoyan denies pro-Russian ties and says he would deepen cooperation with the European Union and the United States while pursuing a gradual approach to relations with Moscow. Arman Tatoyan Founder, Wings of Unity Party
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Oil eases as Trump pauses Iran strikes After days of threats and brinkmanship, Washington and Tehran hint at diplomacy as Trump suspends planned military action. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Will Ankara’s support for Syria strikes impact Turkish-Russian ties? Turkey’s enthusiastic support for US-led strikes targeting Assad’s military assets prompts questions about Ankara’s erratic approach to the Syrian crisis. Syria
Russia seeks to extend role in Mideast peace beyond Syria Moscow faces many challenges in its efforts to help resolve Palestinian issues, especially as Israel rejects any mediator other than the United States and Egypt continues to be the sole sponsor of intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Palestine
Russia takes low-key approach to West's strike on Syria The United States and Russia appear to have coordinated with each other on how to minimize repercussions from the Syrian strike. Syria
Israeli-Arab party split over US strike on Syria The Hadash faction within the Israeli-Arab Joint List demonstrated against the American attack on Syrian chemical depots. Palestine
Following Syria strikes, Rouhani calls for closer Iran-Russia ties Iranian officials say that the strikes on Syria demonstrate that armed groups are close to defeat. Syria
After missile strikes, Trump resumes exit strategy for Syria "No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East," Trump says. Syria
Turkey's response to US-led Syria strikes: Not enough but welcomed Immediate Turkish official reactions to the US-led airstrikes in Syria differ significantly from the public’s perceptions: While most Turks are skeptical of Western bombing of a Muslim nation, Erdogan fans afflicted by "Assad-phobia" cheered. Syria
Pentagon acknowledges US contractor presence in Syria for first time The US military revealed in a new report that some 5,500 contractors are helping fight the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Syria
Pompeo faces Senate buzz saw over stance on Iran, Muslims President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state is in trouble amid a backlash over his administration’s hawkish bent. Congress
Turkey's running out of time to pick a partner in Syria Turkey's been playing the field in Syria, but as the crisis escalates, Ankara may have to make a commitment to either its NATO allies or Moscow. Syria
Turkey squeezed as US-Russia tensions rise in Syria Since the suspected chemical weapons attack by Syrian regime forces in Douma, Turkey has been producing conflicting messages, visibly torn between its strategic interests in Syria and ties to NATO and the West. Syria
Have Iran, Russia and Turkey reached agreement on future Syrian state? The second trilateral summit between the presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey appears to have ushered further movement toward an understanding on the political endgame in Syria. Syria