Analysis

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  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'.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Analysis

  2023-02-21

  Iranian president's trip to China seen as effort to mend fraying ties

  In addition to China's decreasing investment in Iran, Tehran and Beijing have recently been at odds over several issues, including China's rapprochement with Gulf states.

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  Analysis

  2022-12-22

  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.

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  Analysis

  2022-12-08

  Expanding Chinese footprint in the Middle East comes at hidden cost

  Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Saudi Arabia as part of a global 'charm offensive'. As lucrative deals are inked, analysts warn of the hidden costs of doing business with Beijing.

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  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.

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  Analysis

  2022-08-09

  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.

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  Analysis

  2022-07-06

  Tehran expands nuclear activity, money laundering as talks stall

  Although Iran says it wants to revive the 2015 nuclear deal to help its economy and people, the regime is carrying on with a host of illicit nuclear and financial activities.

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  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.