Russia has kept two bases in Syria and lost almost all else, from its client regime to its role between Israel and Damascus. Also here: the August 2026 memorandum, wheat and oil, Iran, Turkey's upper hand, and Moscow's last lever at the UN.
After losing Syria, Russia is looking south: Tobruk in Libya and Port Sudan on the Red Sea, both stuck for the same reasons. Also here: the Libyan airfields that already work, the Haftar family, and why Burhan keeps the base on ice.
An Israeli analyst answers a Saudi-hosted forum: Israeli media stayed plural, but Israel lost the online war to Hamas. Also here: three drivers of bias in Gaza war coverage and eight rules for responsible newsrooms.