Conflict in the Middle East

The crisis in Syria has become further complicated since the end of 2018.

Russia and Turkey have both indicated they are arranging schedules for Turkish delegates to visit Russia to discuss Syria. The Russian defense department meanwhile has visited Iran to discuss bilateral issues on military cooperation.

The US government pulled their troops from Syria, but then Trump made an unexpected visit to Iraq's Al Asad air base.

The US is likely in 2019 to promote cooperation between Arab countries such as Saudi Arab and Iraq on the Syrian issue to counter Turkish and Iranian power.

The Israeli ruling coalition's decision to dissolve parliament and hold early elections has led the country into a three-month election campaign, with incumbent prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, under investigation for corruption allegations.