Turkish-Iranian rivalry may derail Syrian peace efforts

Despite the Moscow Declaration, in which Russia, Turkey and Iran pledged joint efforts to end the war in Syria, the ongoing regional rivalry between Ankara and Tehran could lead to snags in the settlement process.

Syria

How Iran sees Russian-Turkish deal on Syria

Although it was left out of Russia and Turkey’s announcement of a cease-fire agreement in Syria, Iran is very much involved on the stage as the Moscow-Ankara accord builds on a trilateral understanding with Tehran.

Syria

In Lebanon, even private schools caught in education crisis

The influx of displaced Syrians into Lebanon has worsened the already struggling education system in the country, with demand for private schools soaring as public schools are overcrowded and teachers exhausted.

Lebanon

Here’s why Russia gives itself high marks for 2016

Russia achieved many of its 2016 goals in the Middle East and paved the way for potentially significant successes in 2017 and beyond.

Legacy: Gulf

Is Erdogan trying to wreck US-Turkey relations?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims he has “evidence” of US support for the Islamic State; Iranian President Hassan Rouhani applauds valuable “victory” in Aleppo.

Syria

Erdogan accuses US, West of supporting terrorists in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused some partners in the coalition fighting the Islamic State of arming the fanatical group as well as Syrian Kurds.

Syria

Russia scores diplomacy points by mentoring Kazakhstan on Mideast

As the United States appears to be slipping out of the Middle East diplomacy picture, Russia is sharing the spotlight with its ally Kazakhstan in Syrian negotiations.

Syria

Turkey demands US support for its operation in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Washington of not providing air support to Turkish forces in al-Bab and of supporting the Islamic State instead.

Syria

Foreign volunteer unit fights to save lives in Syria

In northern Syria, a group of volunteer Western combat medics assists the wounded in battles against the Islamic State.

Syria

Turkey cuts Syria deal with Russia, confronts Western allies

As Turkey and Russia reach agreement on a comprehensive cease-fire in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is accusing his Western partners in the anti-IS coalition of tacitly supporting the fanatical group.

Syria

Why is Turkey so focused on Syria's al-Bab?

From a military point of view, al-Bab is a strategically unimportant town in the Syrian conflict, but that hasn't stopped Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from obsessing over the town's liberation from the Islamic State.

Syria

Will Iran, Hamas break ties over Aleppo?

Relations between Hamas and Iran have been especially tense since the group publicly condemned the violent battle for Aleppo.

Palestine