Russian-Iranian Relations: Troubled Ties

by Mark N. Katz On March 14, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov talked about how Russian-Iranian relations had reached a “new level,” and how Moscow has “been persistently developing friendly relations with Iran.” Moscow and Tehran have, as is well… Continue Reading

How Well Is Russia Doing in Syria?

by Mark N. Katz Numerous reports indicate that Russia’s military intervention in Syria has succeeded in halting the loss of territory that the Bashar al-Assad regime had been experiencing in the months before it began. Moreover, it has enabled Damascus to… Continue Reading

Who Is Putin Really Protecting Assad From?

by Mark N. Katz In Ukraine, Moscow has openly declared that its motive for intervention and support for separatist forces has been to counter the West. In contrast, Russian officials have characterized their support for the Assad regime in Syria as… Continue Reading