Moscow accrued power in the Middle East in 2015 by sending troops to Syria, where it and Iran have been key backers of President Bashar Assad amid civil war, while the United States pulled back.

One thing that is clear: The events have no direct repercussions as far as US-Israel relations are concerned.

French foreign minister to meet with Iraqi and Kurdish leaders to discuss how to secure thousands of ISIS fighters held in Syrian camps and prisons.

International Monetary Fund cites global conflicts, escalation trade wars as main enemies of growth.

Yisrael Beytenu leader says his party will join a national unity government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu breaks with the religious-haredi bloc.