Ahead of today’s scheduled Russo-American peace talks in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin has unveiled what he describes as a “historic and spiritual mission” to reclaim the territory for Russia. Speaking to state media before departing Moscow, Putin described Alaska as “an inseparable part of Greater Russia, part of our destiny and spiritual heritage, which was temporarily interrupted by a regrettable 19th-century property transaction.”

In a heartwarming show of international solidarity — or perhaps nuclear trolling — Russia today announced its willingness to give sanctuary to Iran’s enriched uranium. Not Iranian people, of course. Just the radioactive stuff. Human beings from the Middle East, other than current and deposed tyrants and their families, remain notably less welcome in Moscow than uranium hexafluoride.

Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Alexei Yerkhov, on Tuesday offered his country’s help in stabilizing Syria, warning that the country’s unity is under growing threat. Speaking to Turkish media, Yerkhov pointed to worsening sectarian tensions, infrastructure collapse, and expanding Israeli control in the south, adding: “It is clear that the country is experiencing internal divisions, with the potential for these divisions to worsen.”

By Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib, Arab News

Many people adopt new year’s resolutions. They usually involve quitting smoking, losing weight, spending more time with family or just being more positive. However, for Bashar Assad, his resolution seems to be to rebrand himself as a man of peace.