Diyaruna

2023-07-28

Russia fails to deliver Su-35s to Iran, triggering speculation over health of alliance

Amid the commotion surrounding the delivery of Su-35s, it became clear in July that the long-awaited fighters would not arrive, with neither government offering an explanation.

Iran intensifies efforts to indoctrinate locals, seize property in eastern Syria

Analysis

2023-05-23

Iran intensifies efforts to indoctrinate locals, seize property in eastern Syria

Iran is making efforts to manipulate the region's demographics, including by acquiring real estate after destroying or forging documents that demonstrate proof of ownership.

Obstacles litter road to Arab states' full normalisation with Syria

Analysis

2023-05-15

Obstacles litter road to Arab states' full normalisation with Syria

With the regime's deep involvement in the drug trade, the presence of Iran and Russia-backed militias inside Syria, and an unresolved refugee crisis, talk of normailisation appears premature.

China-brokered Iran-Saudi deal raises questions in region

Analysis

2023-03-13

China-brokered Iran-Saudi deal raises questions in region

Some question China's neutrality and ability to act as a mediator, while others question its motives and point to its record of 'debt trap diplomacy'.

Middle East loses trust in Russia amid Ukraine war morass

Analysis

2023-02-27

Middle East loses trust in Russia amid Ukraine war morass

The diplomatic progress Russia gained since the Cold War's conclusion has been eroded, along with the trust of many Middle Eastern countries.

Putin's Ukraine misadventure is costing Russia dearly in Middle East

Analysis

2023-02-22

Putin's Ukraine misadventure is costing Russia dearly in Middle East

After a year of war in Ukraine, Russia's military, political and economic powers are depleted, leaving its Middle East ambitions in jeopardy.

Disgraced Russian general stumbles on his reassignment to Syria

Analysis

2022-12-23

Disgraced Russian general stumbles on his reassignment to Syria

Aleksandr Chaiko, who was removed from his Ukraine war post after a series of failures, is now back in Syria, years after earning a global reputation for brutality over the Idlib offensive.

The murky military co-operation between Iran and Russia

Analysis

2022-11-09

The murky military co-operation between Iran and Russia

Winning Russia as a close ally is all the more attractive for Iran's leadership right now, as it can count on Moscow to turn a blind eye to Iran's human rights and economic violations.

Isolated and under sanctions, Iran and Russia deepen ties

Analysis

2022-08-11

Isolated and under sanctions, Iran and Russia deepen ties

As the two deepen co-operation in a number of areas, some warn Iran has fallen into the trap of another autocratic government: Russia.

Iraq at perilous crossroads after al-Sadr's withdrawal

Analysis

2022-06-29

Iraq at perilous crossroads after al-Sadr's withdrawal

Iran has sought over the past months to obstruct the emergence of a strong government that constrains its interests and its detrimental interference in Iraq.