Saudi Aramco's much-anticipated initial public offering will begin on November 17.

Saudi Aramco's record IPO starts November 17

All concerned parties are looking at their respective national interests, and thus, the situation in West Asia is turning from bad to worse, says Retired Major General SB Asthana

Video Opinion: Maintaining stability in West Asia

The Inside Story Of The Precarious, Temporary Truce In Turkey's Invasion Of Syria Now, there is a temporary ceasefire in West Asia. Turkey has agreed to not target North East Syria for 12 hours.

Gravitas: Temporary Truce In Syria: What Transpired Behind The Scenes?

U.S.-Turkey meeting begins in Ankara. Watch this video to know more. WION's West Asia Bureau Chief Daniele Pagani tells more in details.

U.S.-Turkey meeting begins in Ankara

Understanding India's Strategy In West Asia & Its Effectiveness.

WION Edit: What is India's West Asia strategy?

Understanding China's Strategy In West Asia Amidst the ongoing conflict between Turkey and Kurds who have now sided with Syrian government forces, China is slowly and steadily making deep inroads in West Asia.

Gravitas: China Quietly Makes Inroads In West Asia

Is China Sidelining The U.S. In West Asia? 7 days after Turkey's military offensive in Syria, the entire geopolitical equation has changed in West Asia.

Gravitas: Understanding The Changing Power Dynamics In Syria

Who's Minting Money From The Conflict In West Asia? On the face of it, the conflict in North-East Syria is an ethnic conflict between Kurdish forces & Turkey.

Gravitas: West Asia: An Old Theater Of Conflict

Understanding The Battle For Influence Between The U.S. & Russia In West Asia There has been a constant echo during Trump's tenure as U.S. President so far. Did Russia install a yes-man in the White House?

WION Edit: Is Putin The New Tsar Of West Asia?

One of the major issues that define US President Donald Trump's time in the White House is - the looming shadow of Russia.

Did Russia install a yes-man at the White House? Is Trump deciding in favour of Kremlin?

This particular doubt seems more and more legitimate when one looks at US foreign policy in West Asia, especially Syria.

Because Russia has gained from strength to strength in the region since the Syrian crisis.&nbsp;

on WION edit, we will explore the changing political dynamics in West Asia.

Eight years ago, the US entered Syria without an invitation.

The stated mission was to fight the ISIS. First, the US supplied arms to the rebels of free Syria army. In 2014, the Pentagon even trained the rebels to fight ISIS.

But the real motive of the US was to gain influence in oil-rich Syria. That aspect came out in the open with the covert program 'Timber Sycamore'.

So what did this covert project aim to do?

Again, this is a weapons supply and training initiative. But the motto was to fight the Russian forces that backed the Bashar-al-Assad government 
. 
After Trump became president, this project was cancelled.

Now, Trump's sudden and dangerous decision to withdraw the US troops from Syria has pushed the country to the brink of a serious crisis.

Besides, the decision makes Russia the biggest power centre in the country. As we speak - Turkey is invading Syria and US president has threatened some 'friendly' sanctions on Ankara.

Yes, we are not living in the era of the cold war. But if this battle for influence in West Asia is viewed from a historical perspective, then right now, it looks like a game&nbsp;set and match for Moscow.

And it's not only Syria, Russia's influence in Iraq has also risen by leaps and bounds in the last few years.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Iraq sought to improve co-operation with Moscow in 'all fields'.

Yes, the US still retains considerable hold over Iraq, but Russia is ahead in the battle for influence thanks to the backdoor entry in this power game through Iran.

And interestingly, the long arm of Russia extends to both Iran and Saudi Arabia - the arch-rivals.

The simple fact of the matter is - if there is a country that is inevitable for West Asia, that country is Russia.

And Putin uses this power in his well-crafted hegemony of the OPEC- the oil cartel.

Russia, without being a member of OPEC, controls the production levels and, as a consequence, prices. The last couple of OPEC meetings are a testimony to Russia's absolute dominance. The OPEC wasn't able to decide on production levels until Russia participated.

Besides controlling oil markets, Russia wants to dominate West Asia's defence market too.

In essence, Russia's president is the de-facto power centre in West Asia. And Vladimir Putin only has his American counterparts - Bush, Obama and now Trump to thank. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

One of the major issues that define US President Donald Trump's time in the White House is - the looming shadow of Russia. Did Russia install a yes-man at the White House?

One of the major issues that define US President Donald Trump's time in the White House is - the looming shadow of Russia. Did Russia install a yes-man at the White House? Is Trump deciding in favour of Kremlin? This particular doubt seems more and more legitimate when one looks at US foreign policy in West Asia, especially Syria. Because Russia has gained from strength to strength in the region since the Syrian crisis. on WION edit, we will explore the changing political dynamics in West Asia. Eight years ago, the US entered Syria without an invitation. The stated mission was to fight the ISIS. First, the US supplied arms to the rebels of free Syria army. In 2014, the Pentagon even trained the rebels to fight ISIS. But the real motive of the US was to gain influence in oil-rich Syria. That aspect came out in the open with the covert program 'Timber Sycamore'. So what did this covert project aim to do? Again, this is a weapons supply and training initiative. But the motto was to fight the Russian forces that backed the Bashar-al-Assad government . After Trump became president, this project was cancelled. Now, Trump's sudden and dangerous decision to withdraw the US troops from Syria has pushed the country to the brink of a serious crisis. Besides, the decision makes Russia the biggest power centre in the country. As we speak - Turkey is invading Syria and US president has threatened some 'friendly' sanctions on Ankara. Yes, we are not living in the era of the cold war. But if this battle for influence in West Asia is viewed from a historical perspective, then right now, it looks like a game set and match for Moscow. And it's not only Syria, Russia's influence in Iraq has also risen by leaps and bounds in the last few years. Earlier this year, Iraq sought to improve co-operation with Moscow in 'all fields'. Yes, the US still retains considerable hold over Iraq, but Russia is ahead in the battle for influence thanks to the backdoor entry in this power game through Iran. And interestingly, the long arm of Russia extends to both Iran and Saudi Arabia - the arch-rivals. The simple fact of the matter is - if there is a country that is inevitable for West Asia, that country is Russia. And Putin uses this power in his well-crafted hegemony of the OPEC- the oil cartel. Russia, without being a member of OPEC, controls the production levels and, as a consequence, prices. The last couple of OPEC meetings are a testimony to Russia's absolute dominance. The OPEC wasn't able to decide on production levels until Russia participated. Besides controlling oil markets, Russia wants to dominate West Asia's defence market too. In essence, Russia's president is the de-facto power centre in West Asia. And Vladimir Putin only has his American counterparts - Bush, Obama and now Trump to thank. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Changing political dynamics in West Asia

Another Flashpoint In West Asia: Iran Alleges That Its Tanker Was Hit By Missiles Near Saudi Arabia

Gravitas: Iranian Tanker Allegedly Hit By Missiles

Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies attacked Kurdish militia in northeast Syria on Wednesday, pounding them with airstrikes and artillery before starting a cross-border ground operation that could transform an eight-year-old war.

Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia on Turkey-Syria conflict

Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies attacked Kurdish militia in northeast Syria on Wednesday, pounding them with airstrikes and artillery before starting a cross-border ground operation that could transform an eight-year-old war. Know about the latest updates from Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia

Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia speaks on Turkey-Syria conflict

As Turkey Launches Military Operations Against Ethnic Minority Kurds, Is It Time For India To Call Out Turkey?

Gravitas: Time For India To Expose Turkey's Action Against Kurds?

A Major Crisis In Brewing In West Asia. U.S. Backs Turkey's Operations Against The Kurdish Forces. The kurdish forces were the most reliable partner of the U.S. in its fight against the Islamic state. But after the defeat of the ISIS, U.S. has dumped its ally. U.S. backs Turkey's operations against the Kurdish forces. Here's a ground report from the Syria-Turkey border.

Gravitas: United States To Withdraw Troops From Syria

As The Conflict In West Asia Intensifies, Here's A Look At What This Means For Saudi Arabia On #WionEdit, @Palkisu analyses the rising conflict in West Asia. Over the last few weeks, Saudi Arabia has faced two major setbacks, one is the attack on the oil fields and the other is the recent claims made by Houthis. It's clear that Saudi Arabia is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

WION Edit: Is Saudi Arabia on the backfoot?

The Conflict In West Asia Highlights The Need For India To Reduce Dependence On Oil

WION Edit: Renewable Energy for Economic autonomy & A peaceful world?

Israel Elections: Netanyahu is competing against his toughest challenger former army chief Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party.

Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia on Israel Elections

History Of Saudi Arabia-Iran Conflict. Watch video to know more.

History of Saudi Arabia-Iran conflict

Israel will be voting again on September 17 to elect their Prime Minister, know what has changed from the last polls.

The West Asia Post: Israel goes to poll again on September 17

In this segment of The West Asia Post, know how realistic is ties between Pakistan-Israel.

The West Asia Post:  Ties between Pakistan-Israel imaginable?

Israeli PM, Netanyahu said If he wins the elections he will annex Jordon valley. Know about the latest updates from Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia

Today Tonight: Netanyahu vows to annex West Bank Parts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he planned to annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank, if he wins a closely contested election just a week away. Watch this video to know more.

Israeli PM Netanyahu vows to annex Jordan Valley if re-elected

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he planned to annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank if he wins a closely contested election just a week away. WION speaks to Daniele Pagani, West Asia bureau chief for more on this.

WION Dispatch: Netanyahu's big pre-election pledge

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he planned to annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank if he wins a closely contested election just a week away. Watch this video to know: What is Israeli settlement & why does it matter for Netanyahu's re-elections?

What is Israeli settlement & why does it matter for Netanyahu's re-elections?

Benjamin Netanyahu's big pre-election pledge

Iran warns of violating N-deal again, to pass a 20% limit. Watch this video to know more.

Iran warns of violating N-deal again, to pass 20% limit of Uranium enrichment

People in West Asia love football... They follow it with great passion and Spanish clubs are among the most popular all across the region... Even in Iraq. People in West Asia love Ronaldo so much that customers in this barbershop in Iraq rely on the expert hands of the owner Marwan to etches Ronaldo's face into the hair. Marwan graduated in an institute fine arts and has found a smart way to put his skills at work in a country where the youth are passionate about soccer... And crazy enough to walk around with their idols on their head... But this haircut is not for everybody... It is a work of art and it takes skill and time... It can cost up to 50 USD... Marwan is a soccer fan too and while he creates stylish and creative haircuts with his hands, his mind dreams big...

The West Asia Post: Soccer-crazy Iraqi youth draw their idols on their hair

Gibraltar Police Arrest Captain Of Detained Tanker; The Captain Is An Indian News coming in, Gibraltar police arrest captain of a detained tanker. Palki discusses the situation at the ground with Wion's West Asia Bureau Chief Daniele Pagani

Gravitas: Gibraltar: Captain of detained tanker arrested

The Aggressive Diplomacy From The U.S. Against Iran Has Kicked Off A Major Crisis In West Asia

Gravitas: Iran Breaches Uranium Enrichment Limit

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Saudi Aramco's record IPO starts November 17

Video Opinion: Maintaining stability in West Asia

Gravitas: Temporary Truce In Syria: What Transpired Behind The Scenes?

U.S.-Turkey meeting begins in Ankara

WION Edit: What is India's West Asia strategy?

Gravitas: China Quietly Makes Inroads In West Asia

Gravitas: Understanding The Changing Power Dynamics In Syria

Gravitas: West Asia: An Old Theater Of Conflict

WION Edit: Is Putin The New Tsar Of West Asia?

WION Edit: Changing political dynamics in West Asia

Gravitas: Iranian Tanker Allegedly Hit By Missiles

Gravitas: Iranian Tanker Allegedly Hit By Missiles

Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia on Turkey-Syria conflict

Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia on Turkey-Syria conflict

Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia speaks on Turkey-Syria conflict

Gravitas: Time For India To Expose Turkey's Action Against Kurds?

Gravitas: United States To Withdraw Troops From Syria

WION Edit: Is Saudi Arabia on the backfoot?

WION Edit: Renewable Energy for Economic autonomy & A peaceful world?

Daniele Pagani, Bureau Chief, West Asia on Israel Elections

History of Saudi Arabia-Iran conflict

The West Asia Post: Israel goes to poll again on September 17

The West Asia Post: Ties between Pakistan-Israel imaginable?

Today Tonight: Netanyahu vows to annex West Bank Parts