Israeli-Russian journalist removed from Netanyahu’s US flight: What to know Israeli-Russian journalist Nick Kolyohin was removed from the official Israeli Wing of Zion plane just before its departure for Washington, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump. Israel
Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
Putin meets Iran’s top security official as Trump says Tehran wants deal President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is seeking a nuclear deal but declined to specify a timeline for negotiations. Iran
UAE President meets Putin in Russia to discuss nuclear energy, trade, Iran The visit of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed comes a day after the Kremlin hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia
Erdogan's border-security bluster a snarl at Moscow The Turkish president has renewed threats to move against Syrian Kurdish forces, playing to his nationalist base with promises to secure Turkey's borders, but is unlikely to take action yet for fear of Russian retaliation. Syria
Russian media tries to sort out source of attack on Syria air base Russia says it has increased security on its Khmeimim air base in Syria after a Dec. 31 attack on the base, one of the worst in the country's two-year involvement in the Syrian war. Syria
Russia sizes up Iranian protests Moscow is taking a low-key approach to the demonstrations in Iran, trying not to step on any toes while assessing how the unrest might affect Russia, as well as its efforts in Syria. Russia
Russia 'consulted, heard and feared' in the Middle East Moscow weighs benefits and risks of leverage and leadership in the Syria crisis and the Middle East peace process. Saudi Arabia
Struggle with Sochi guest list reflects animosities over Syria As Russia seeks to overcome Turkey’s objections to Kurdish participation in the planned Sochi conference, Moscow welcomed Kurdish commanders to assure them Kurds are not being excluded. Syria
What 2018 looks like for Russia, US regarding Syria Will US and Russian relations in the new year involve cooperation, confrontation or attempts to carefully balance both? Syria
Can Russian-Saudi unity extend beyond oil pact? Moscow and Riyadh are on the same page currently when it comes to oil, but it's unclear whether that understanding will last long enough to grease the wheels of further collaboration. Saudi Arabia
Russia to import Gaza strawberries for first time As Russia prepares to import strawberries from the Gaza Strip for the first time, farmers in Gaza are considering a commercial partnership to export other agricultural products in the future. Palestine
Israel adapts to changing strategic reality in Mideast The Israel Defense Forces believe that excellent intelligence capabilities will determine the fate of Israel’s next war. Israel
PA rejects US, seeks new sponsors for peace talks The Palestinian Authority is mobilizing international support to find a new sponsor for the peace process following US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Palestine
Moscow mulls scenarios as Mideast mediator The United States recently riled up the Middle East with its pronouncement on Jerusalem, giving Russia an opportunity to quietly step up its work in the background on Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. Palestine
Russia finds neutral zones in Syria essential but tricky Moscow hopes to focus soon on rebuilding Syria's shattered infrastructure, but first must help restore stability, which could prove much more difficult. Syria
