While Russian-Syrian relations seem to be closer than ever, the war in Ukraine can change the strategic balance in and around Syria for good.
Russia
Many consider Russia to be behind the latest round of regime infighting. But does a recent flurry of articles in Russian media criticising Assad really suggest that the Kremlin’s attitudes towards the Syrian president are cooling?
Thousands of Muslim Tatars fought for the Wehrmacht against the Soviet Union. The historian Iskander Gilyazov speaks to zenith about the Muslim Idel-Ural Legion, taboos and how history views national heroes and collaborators.
Syria expert Bassma Kodmani explains the recent conflict between Assad and his cousin Makhlouf – and calls on Europe to take advantage of Russia’s discontent with the Syrian regime.
The situation in Idlib remains dire. Idlib-native Merna Alhasan, spoke to zenith about the recent assaults on the city, covering the story as a female journalist, and how the Assad regime controls the narrative on the war in Syria.
Fearing supposed ethnic replacement and Islamisation, the German Right looks longingly towards Russia. What kind of ahistorical myopia is that?
Putin’s visit to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in mid-October demonstrated the full magnitude of Russia’s prestige in the region and cemented Moscow’s position as a leading power in the Middle East. But what is the Kremlin’s realistic clout in the Gulf?
Turkey’s interests and the goal of autonomy in northeastern Syria can be reconciled. And Russia has the chance to assume the responsibility it has aspired to for so long, argues Naseef Naeem.