Putin and Erdoğan agree a plan to avoid military action in Idlib, but the Idlib problem remains unsolved. Russian plane shot down by Asad forces, Putin cools it.
Articles tagged: ‘Russia’
Idlib next
Posted onSyrian government assault on Idlib province begins. Warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe and talk of a chemical attack which would provoke US retaliation.
Lebanon: Syria, refugees, Russia
Posted onAs the Syrian war ends, Syria’s role in Lebanon reasserted. Russia supports return of refugees to Syria, accuses US of stalling.
Sudan: possible third term for Bashir
Posted onElections in 2020, but Bashir likely to remain. Fighting continues in three areas but at a reduced level. Frozen out by the West, flirtation with Moscow.
Syria: the endgame
Posted onSyrian government forces to target Idlib next. Complications with Israel, Iran, Turkey, Kurds, China, US, IS. Russia in the driving seat.
The hajj: the old and the new
Posted onThe hajj next week, with the Eid on 21 August. Health, innovation, politics, crime, devotion.
Saudi/Canada row: some lessons
Posted onDetails of the Saudi/Canada row clearer. Some lessons to be learned.
Jordan: King returns, action on the Syrian border
Posted onKing of Jordan returns from a long visit to the USA. New government faces old problems. Possible endgame in southern Syria.
Gas
Posted ondifferent from oil. Vitally important to some MENA economies – Qatar, Algeria, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt.
OPEC in Vienna: I was there
Posted onImpressions of the Vienna OPEC meetings. Complicated interpretation of the final communiqué. All more or less satisfied, price likely to settle around $75. Long-term issues ducked.