A complex thread connects Russia, Iran, Turkey, Israel, the Saudis, and the Houthis – the wars over the price of hydrocarbons at Western pumps. Jerusalem may need to reconsider its ties with Ankara.

It’s unclear whether it’s only shadow theater or something is truly moving behind all the recent posturing about Russia, Iran, and the Houthis on the eve of a tricky midterm election in the US.

US President Donald Trump announced a controversial agreement to supply Russian oil to the US. The agreement is intended to lower oil prices, but many doubt it will have any effect. Russia has diesel shortages due to Ukrainian bombings of Russian refineries.

Rumors circulate about lines at gas stations in Moscow, which is usually well supplied. People also say Russia is reimporting some Chinese diesel and that China is burning more coal to cover the shortfall. Russia may even import supplies from Iran through Caspian Sea ports.

In this situation, it’s doubtful Russia has any real diesel surplus to spare for America.

Moreover, the main.

Germany is about to cease granting political asylum to Syrians and to begin repatriating some of them back to their country. After more than a decade of civil war in Syria, the country has finally reached some measure of political stability, and some in Berlin believe the new situation doesn’t warrant the continuation of asylum.

The Assyrian Christian community urges the German government to change its course. No matter how stable the new government in Syria may be, it still allows for the persecution of religious minorities, and for Christians, their country is no more peaceful than it was before. We hereby publish the Syrian community in Germany’s appeal, presenting their case to Germany and the world.

The appeal comes as the radical-right AfD, a growing political force, calls for the deportation of all foreigners in Germany. (Appia Institute)

Syria Is Not Safe for Everyone: Germany Must Not Abandon Syrian Christians. An Urgent Appeal from Assyrian Christian Organizations in Germany

Safe for whom? This is the question the German federal government must answer before sending.