The Battle for Aleppo: Syria Analyst on the Fight for the Middle East

The Syrian government claims to have closed a gap briefly opened by militants on the eastern side of the besieged city of Aleppo. Radio Sputnik’s Brian Becker spoke with Syrian analyst Kevork Almassian, who grew up in Aleppo, to the discuss the current situation.

Russia Could Turn Hmeymim Base in Syria Into Fully-Operational Facility

The first deputy chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Federation Council (the upper house of Russia's parliament), said that Russia plans to turn the Hmeymim base in Syria into a fully operational base.

Putin asks Russian Duma to ratify Syria air base deal

Russia’s President has submitted an agreement reached with the Syrian Republic to the State Duma for approval that would authorize the placement of a Russian Air Force group in Syria for an unspecified period of time.

Rearming Riyadh: US approves $1.15bn tank sale to Saudi Arabia

Washington has approved the sale of 133 tanks and 20 recovery vehicles to Saudi Arabia, citing the kingdom’s role as a “leading contributor of political stability and economic progress” in the Middle East, even as Saudi aircraft resumed bombing Yemen.

New Nauru Files leak exposes horrifying abuse of kids at Australia’s island detention centers

The realities of Australia’s controversial method of dealing with refugees has been exposed in 8,000 pages of leaked documents that reveal systematic child abuse on Australia’s offshore detention island Nauru.

Travesty of Democracy' as Canada's Closed Borders Mar Opening of World Social Forum

Annual summit of leftist movements aims to "build a sustainable and inclusive world," but the West's closed-border policies stand in the way

'Clexit': New Fears for UK as Brexit Planners Push to Withdraw from COP21

Friends of the Earth warned vote would be 'huge challenge to decades of progress on improving the environment and tackling climate change'

Latin America 'Most Dangerous Region in the World' for Land and Rights Defenders

Killings of environmental activists and journalists are increasing and members of indigenous communities comprise over 40% of the deaths.

Amid Uptick in Bombings and Civilian Deaths, US Sells More Arms to Saudis

More than two dozen civilians have reportedly been killed in Yemen as airstrikes resumed after United Nations-brokered peace talks fell apart

Ecuador's Correa: It's Neoliberalism, Not Socialism That Has Failed

Leftist leader says growth "that favors the poor, growth with social justice, growth with equity," worthy of pursuit