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Russia Re-examines Relationship with Iran
(Al-Monitor) Anton Mardasov - As Islamic State has been in steady retreat in Syria, Iran and Russia are facing real difficulties sustaining their partnership. Russia is currently opting for agreements beyond the peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan - that is, behind Iran's back. Examples include the de-escalation zone in southwest Syria that Russia negotiated with the U.S., as well as de-escalation zones in eastern Ghouta and northern Homs, both of which were negotiated in Cairo. A Russian military intelligence source said that since eastern Aleppo was recaptured by Assad's troops, Russia and Iran have been fiercely vying for regional dominance. The writer heads the Department of Middle Eastern Conflicts at the Institute for Innovative Development in Moscow.