Middle Orient

Russia Sanctions: Opportunity For Turkey – OpEd

Recently, Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Putin met in Sochi. In the statement made by the Kremlin just before the Wagner rebellion in June, it was stated that Erdogan invited Putin to Türkiye and that preparations were being made. But the meeting was held in Russia, not in Türkiye …

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Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Recalibrated Foreign Policy

Saudi Arabia and its ambitious crown prince are looking ahead to a new world in which it will enjoy a more prominent place. Yet unless the kingdom makes further changes on both the diplomatic and domestic fronts, its aspirations are likely to run into roadblocks. Saudi Arabia is trying, with …

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Fidan: Turkey committed to ‘understandings’ on Sweden’s NATO bid

Fidan’s remarks came a few days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised question marks over his country’s pending ratification of the Sweden’s accession to NATO. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Wednesday that his country remains committed to understandings it reached with NATO and Sweden over Stockholm’s membership …

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Iran: IRGC Deploying Artillery, Tanks To Northwest

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has begun to deploy artillery and armored vehicles to the northwestern border areas as the deadline of September 19 for the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government to take action against anti-Iran terrorists is looming. Images and videos taken from urban areas reveal that …

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Explainer: Why Iraq’s Kirkuk has reached brink of conflict

Tensions flare up in Kirkuk ahead of provincial elections in December amid Arab and Turkmen fears of renewed Kurdish control of the oil-rich city. Plagued by the oil curse and long disputed between its ethnic communities, the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk is once again teetering on the edge of …

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Israeli Spy Chief Says Iran’s Attempts To Supply Russia With Missiles ‘Foiled’

(RFE/RL) — The head of Israel’s intelligence agency said on September 10 that Iran’s attempts to supply Russia with missiles had been foiled, The Times of Israel reported. Speaking at an annual counterterrorism conference in Israel, Mossad chief David Barnea did not elaborate on how the supply deal was interrupted …

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The US Would Be Delighted If Iran Was Dragged Into Any New Conflict Over Karabakh

It’s in the US’ interests to drag Iran into a protracted 1980s-like war with Turkiye that would bleed both dry while dividing the region. The Islamic Republic mustn’t fall for the unprecedentedly dangerous geostrategic trap that’s been set for it. Tensions are soaring in the South Caucasus after Armenia and …

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Israel’s Mossad chief sets new red lines for Iranian leadership, Russia

Mossad chief David Barnea warned the Iranian leadership directly and Moscow more subtly, but his real message was for American ears. Mossad chief David Barnea threatened Iran on Sunday, stating that the leadership in Tehran could find itself in the crosshairs. His words reflected Israel’s growing concerns about Tehran’s potential …

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In letter to Biden, Barzani warns of Iraqi Kurdistan’s collapse, urges mediation

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s letter to Biden is aimed at jolting the administration into action as tensions rise between Erbil and Baghdad. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has appealed to President Joe Biden to intervene in a deepening crisis with the central government in Baghdad, airing …

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