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
Can Erdogan’s Baku visit fix Turkey-Azerbaijan rift? A dispute over religious dress in schools has exposed deeper tensions between the two allies, with energy, arms sales, Israel and financial interests adding to the strain. Turkey
Minorities in Turkey on edge amid threats, attacks Vulnerable groups have faced intimidation or worse in recent weeks in what both the government and the opposition warn are efforts to stoke conflict, though they disagree on who’s to blame. Turkey
‘An insult to women’ everywhere: Afrin kidnappings prompt calls for investigation of Turkey-backed rebels A video reportedly showing detained women inside a secret prison in Afrin has prompted further criticism of Turkey's proxy forces operating in Syria. Syria
Turkey looks to link Syrian Kurdish militia to ANTIFA following Trump tweet Some foreign veterans of the People's Protection Units (YPG) disagree with the Turkish assertion that ANTIFA and the Kurdish group are connected. Turkey
Turkey deports 12 Islamic State-linked fighters to Finland The move comes after European governments have largely declined to take back detained citizens with links to the terror group. Syria
Turkey’s megaprojects threaten ‘mega’ financial havoc Turkey’s government might be forced to nationalize some megaproject investments, chief among them the new airport in Istanbul, which have hit dire straits under the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Turkey’s existing economic woes. Turkey
Reports: Children among the dead after Syrian rebels clash in Turkish-held Afrin Clashes between Syrian rebel groups in the northern city of Afrin left at least two children dead Thursday. Syria
Turkey's assault against Syrian Kurds leaves trail of misery and spin Was a burn victim hit by white phosphorus during Turkey's invasion of Ras al-Ain in October? Whatever the reason, he and many others are still suffering. Syria
What does Libya’s ‘Syrianization’ scenario mean for key actors? Turkey may have gotten kudos for tipping the balance in Libya, but Russian countermoves raise the prospect of Turkish collaboration with Russia in the North African country, which is not to the liking of countries that have been giving plaudits to Ankara. Syria
Turkey readies for 'new normal' after declaring success against coronavirus President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that a raft of restrictions imposed to curb the outbreak will be lifted next week as the country’s infection and death rates fall sharply. Turkey
Erdogan dedicates Turkish island project to hanged idol Turkey’s president says the island of Yassiada may become a Turkish Camp David, while critics slam the destruction of the landscape and archaeological heritage. Turkey
Why is Erdogan afraid of free bread? Turkey's main opposition party has successfully turned the pandemic into an opportunity by building a dynamic grassroots movement in the face of authoritarian rule. Turkey
Erdogan dashes hopes of Turkey-Israel reconciliation The resumption of El Al cargo flights to Turkey does not mean that relations between Israel and Ankara have thawed. Israel