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
Leader defines principles of new Future Syria Party In an interview with Al-Monitor, the leader of the newly established Future Syria Party, Ibrahim al-Qaftan, rejected claims that the group seeks to counter Turkish pressure in northern Syria, stressing that its goal is to build a pluralistic and democratic state. Syria
Turkey's sharp-tongued rapper faces five years in jail Turkish rapper Ezhel may face up to five years in prison for promoting drug use in his songs. Turkey
US pumps brakes as Ankara touts Manbij deal No agreement has been struck between Turkey and the United States on the control of Manbij, though Ankara is eager to report one with its somewhat estranged ally. Syria
Has the US conceded to Turkey in Manbij? Diplomats say major differences on multiple levels make a breakthrough in US-Turkish strategy on Syria difficult. Syria
Turkish opposition remains own worst enemy Despite the claims of nationalist candidate Meral Aksener, the Turkish opposition is distressingly split and neither side has succeeded in drawing votes away from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party. Turkey
Fears of foul play hang over Turkey’s critical elections Election integrity remains a top concern for Turkey’s opposition ahead of the June 24 polls, especially for the country’s main Kurdish party, whose showing could be of critical importance. Turkey
F-35 sale to Turkey runs into congressional buzz saw The sale of more than 100 fifth-generation fighter jets is in jeopardy amid worsening US tensions with its NATO ally. Turkey
Turkish military purges decimate career officer, pilot ranks The impending dismissal of another 3,000 Turkish soldiers suspected of disloyalty is raising concerns about military readiness. Turkey
Turkey’s agricultural decline rings alarm bells The Turkish government is under fire for mismanaging the agricultural sector, whose decline has sent food prices soaring and forced the importation of basic items such as wheat, beans, meat and even straw. Turkey
Turkish defense industry at critical juncture After significant progress on the domestic level, the Turkish defense industry has reached a challenging phase in which it needs to enhance its export capacity to ensure sustainable growth. Turkey
Turkey's 'Lord of the Herbs' prescribes civil war In a TV interview, a Turkish writer vowed to support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling party should they lose in the upcoming elections by promising to dig up a buried weapons stash and "take to the streets." Turkey
Turkey's traditional carpets meet quantum physics The Turkish artist Belkis Balpinar adds new interpretations, including inspirations from science, to the tradition of symbolism in Anatolian kilims. Turkey