Analysis Will Democrats block Trump’s push to deliver Turkey F-35s, lift sanctions? Democratic control of Congress complicates Turkey’s push for F-35s and sanctions relief, but Ankara remains hopeful Trump can still broker a deal. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Nisantasi beyond the shop windows Also this week: Hopdaddy burgers, Ara Guler’s photographs and Istanbul’s apartment stories. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Costa Rica's Grynspan extends lead in UNSG poll as Nusseibeh places fourth The Costa Rican candidate received 12 encourage votes in Thursday's UN Security Council straw poll. United Arab Emirates
Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey
The Takeaway: US-Turkey strains worsening over Syrian Kurds amid fresh Erdogan complaints Turkish president questions US-Turkey NATO alliance, while Iran expands influence in eastern Syria; US still partner of choice for GCC countries, but China may be gaining; kingdom offers inducements to businesses; more! Turkey
Where is the money? Erdogan feels the heat over foreign reserves drain Turkey’s government goes on the defensive as the main opposition presses for answers on how the central bank ended up with negative reserves. Turkey
Turkey accuses Greece of harassing research vessel in eastern Mediterranean The two countries are set for renewed talks over Aegean maritime zones in early March. Turkey
Turkey, US maintain dialogue of the deaf Ankara and Washington, both unwilling to budge over differences, can expect ties to get worse before they get better. Turkey
As Erdogan finesses Turkey-US ties, Pentagon reiterates stance on S-400s A Pentagon official urged Ankara to take action over its Russian-made S-400 missile acquisition after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed interest in restoring bilateral ties. Turkey
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party under pressure as calls increase for its closure The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party faces renewed pressure in Turkey amid rising calls for its closure and recent court decisions that could see one of its lawmakers removed from parliament. Turkey
West-East dilemma closes in on Erdogan As Erdogan teeters between the West and the Russia-China axis, it will be his goal of securing his political future at home that determines which direction he takes. Turkey
Lira slides as Erdogan defends former minister’s economic policies In response to criticism from the opposition, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has defended the record of his son-in-law and former finance minister, sparking a 1% slide in the Turkish lira Monday after weeks of steady gains. Turkey
Turkey hires Washington lobbyists in bid for return to F-35 program The Biden administration is giving Turkey the cold shoulder on the S-400 dispute. Turkey
Foreign debt risks hover over Turkish lira’s recovery Saddled with chunky foreign debt repayments in 2021, Turkey might face hefty borrowing costs and renewed currency jitters. Turkey
Turkey looks to Cyprus to consolidate EastMed gains Even as Ankara and Athens reengage in exploratory talks over long-running maritime disputes, Turkey is pressing ahead in its campaign for a two-state solution on the island. Turkey
Erdogan’s talk of new democratic constitution aims to cement his rule Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggests the possibility of a newly rewritten Turkish Consitution, sparking debate over his real intentions. Turkey