Putin’s ‘civilizational’ speech frames conflict between east and west

In his Federal Assembly address, President Putin emphasized that Russia is not only an independent nation-state but also a distinct civilization with its own identity, which is in conflict and actively opposes the values of 'western civilization.'

Pentagon looking to deliver thousands of ‘Iranian weapons’ to Ukraine: Report

US officials see the move as a 'punishment' against Iran for their alleged drone deliveries to Russia

Sweden reaffirms decision to distance itself from Kurdish militants

Turkey has rejected Sweden and Finland's request to join NATO over their alleged ties to the PKK and YPG militant groups

NATO demands Turkey unblock accession of Sweden, Finland

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 4 November for further talks

Turkey dissatisfied with Sweden’s ‘elegant promises’ to crack down on Kurdish groups

Turkey and Hungary are the last two NATO members that have yet to ratify the ascension of Sweden and Finland to the US-led military alliance

Erdogan threatens to end NATO deal with Sweden and Finland if conditions not met

According to the Turkish president, Stockholm has agreed to extradite 73 PKK members

Turkish president drops veto, allows Sweden and Finland to join NATO

Ankara reportedly 'got what it wanted' after an hours-long meeting between the leaders of the three countries

Sweden taking steps to address Turkey’s concerns on Kurdish militants: NATO head

The Swedish prime minister confirmed that Stockholm is seeking to resolve the issues with Ankara

Turkey arms embargo may end if NATO membership approved: Swedish FM

Ankara has cited Sweden and Finland’s support for the PKK as its reason for blocking their NATO applications

Will Azerbaijan become a NATO pawn against Russia in South Caucasus?

Despite its recent 'alliance' upgrade with Russia, Azerbaijan wears many geopolitical masks and could play Trojan horse for Moscow's NATO adversaries

Iranian president offers to ‘help restore peace’ between Russia, Ukraine

Ebrahim Raisi has also offered to help mediate talks between the two Slavic nations

From the Black Sea to the East Med, don’t poke The Russian Bear

The US shouldn't have poked the Russian Bear. Now it is fully awake: after Ukraine, the Russians are likely to do a clean sweep of foreign belligerents poking around the East Med and the Black Sea.

From Russia, With (Taliban) Love

Asia's powerbrokers dropped an Afghan bombshell in Moscow today: 'the country's reconstruction must be paid for by its military occupiers of 20 years.'

Kabul should not forget: ‘Turkey was a major part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan’

Turkish President Erdogan intends to play a role in post-conflict Afghanistan. But are his ambitions 'Neo-Ottoman' and Islamist, in service of NATO, or wrapped around his 2023 electoral goals?