Moscow's foreign minister has earned a reputation for being uncompromising and brusque but has also begrudgingly won the respect of many, even foes, for his professionalism
These days, Cairo looks more to Beijing and Moscow than to Washington, a policy change with its roots in the toppling of Hosni Mubarak more than a decade ago.
Trump thinks that lifting sanctions and reintegrating Russia will weaken Moscow's alliance with Beijing. That is short-sighted. The world Henry Kissinger exploited in 1970 is no longer.
By placing conditions to ending the war, the Russian president seems to be stretching the negotiations to bait Trump into maintaining pressure on Kyiv and weakening Europe
Some predict partition, others federalism or fragmentation. Amidst the competing interests of Arab states, Russia, the US, Israel, Iran, Türkiye, and Europe, Syria treads its own path
While some indicators are positive, others are troubling. The arrival of Donald Trump in the White House has given the Kremlin a political boost, and lifting sanctions will help, but it is no panacea.
Moscow's much smaller neighbours have been looking elsewhere for energy, trade, investment, and security. That is not in Russia's plans, but Putin knows the new US president is unlikely to help them.
With diplomatic channels open with the three major power centres—the US, Russia, and China—Saudi Arabia continues to navigate a delicate balance between economic pragmatism and security imperatives
A sudden ditching of US support for Ukraine and a more understanding approach to Russia, has sent shudders through Europe and pricked ears in Beijing. As the war looks set to end, what next?
The UK, France and Canada issue their toughest warning yet to Israel, with the UK suspending trade talks. Meanwhile, the UN warns 14,000 babies could die if aid is not let in.
Reconstruction projects will not be able to rely solely on direct grants and loans. Recovering economies will have to create conditions to attract regional and international investment as well.
The region's youth see themselves as active participants in developing their own countries. They want their voices heard and their talents recognised globally.