Putin wants to be the Middle East’s indispensable intermediary.

Azerbaijan is an important ally against Iran.

Confronting the West.

Problems for Putin.

What it means for Israel.

Why the laser focus on Israel, especially when more serious cases are ignored?

Jerusalem cannot afford to rely on American power.

Thanks to Israel, the cost of the Iranian presence in Syria has been rising steadily.

It is cultivating relations with both Hamas and Fatah.

A quagmire for the Russians.

Russia and China are eager to sell weapons to the Islamic Republic.

Thanks to Russia, only loyalists can get humanitarian aid.

The Orthodox Church and the Israeli backpacker.

Putin may be willing to allow Bashar al-Assad to reign over a failed state.