The transfer marks the end of an era when Russia played an arguably oversized role in determining which countries could operate in Syria’s contested airspace.

With soaring inflation and the ruble dropping to one of its lowest levels against the dollar since President Vladimir Putin launched his war in Ukraine, this year Russians will have to pay more for the dish, which is traditionally served alongside caviar and tangerines, before the New Year is toasted in.

Russia, in the final days of its BRICS chairmanship, has succeeded in recruiting nine new partner countries for the geopolitical bloc but has failed to secure deals with key targets such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Russia's friends — or frenemies — aren't all pariah states. Some of them enjoy good relations with the West, too.

As Russia clings to its only bases in the Mediterranean — they’re on the coast of Syria — Ukraine is moving aggressively to displace Moscow as Syria’s main source of imported grain. Soon to follow are university educations, military drone technologies, and aid on investigating war crimes.

Turkey’s success in post-Assad Syria stems from its multifaceted strategy combining military strength, economic investment and ideological appeal.

During her visit to Damascus, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock outlined clear conditions for European support of Syria's new leadership and emphasized that Germany and the European Union are committed to fostering a peaceful and free future for Syria.

Ronald Reagan’s wish came true this week. The last gas pipeline to Europe from Russia shut down. The 40th president’s political heir, Donald Trump, stands to reap the benefit.

The Syrian Free Army "values its partnership with the United States in the fight against ISIS," Colonel Anteri told Newsweek.

In a wide-ranging interview, the political economist Helen Thompson discusses how the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has transformed the region. With an incoming Trump administration, the stage is now set for hawks to confront an isolated Iran.

Turkey hopes it can cash in on Ukraine’s decision to halt gas exports from Russia across its territory by offering Moscow an alternative route into Europe through its own network of pipelines for increased transit fees.

The foreign ministers from Germany and France arrived in Damascus on Friday morning for talks with the transitional government formed by the militant groups that drove former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad from the country.