Eurotopics.net

Russia has stationed long-range bombers at an air base in Iran and is attacking rebel positions in the north of Aleppo from the site. Moscow and Tehran are united by common strategic goals in the region, commentators observe, and criticise the international community's increasing indifference in the face of the Syrian civilian population's unbearable suffering.

It could be another three years before the UK actually leaves the EU, representatives from Britain's political and business circles believe. London must present itself as genuine friend of Europe in the Brexit negotiations, commentators warn.

The citizens of Hungary will vote in a referendum on October 2 on whether to accept mandatory quotas for the distribution of refugees among the EU member states. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán rejects the quota system approved by Brussels. The Hungarians will back their leader, commentators predict, and call for binding regulations regarding the EU's migration policy.

Doping remains the dominant topic at the Rio Olympics. Some athletes competing in the event have been unusually critical of their rivals and accused them of taking banned substances. Now a leading IOC Executive Board member has been arrested on charges of selling tickets illegally. Many commentators voice disappointment at the course the major sporting event has taken.

Russia has accused Ukraine of acts of sabotage in Crimea. Kiev for its part is accusing Moscow of building up troops there and has put its military on combat alert. The OSCE has said there is no evidence at present to back either accusation. Putin is fuelling the conflict whenever it suits his purposes, some commentators observe. Others see this as a sign of the Russian president's weakness.

Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation, gave the green light on Monday for Italians to vote in a referendum on Matteo Renzi's proposed constitutional reform. The prime minister has said he will resign if the referendum fails. The press sees this as a highly dangerous move on his part.