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
Turks mark May Day far from traditional rallying site The Turkish authorities have arrested dozens of protesters for violating a ban on May 1 demonstrations at Istanbul’s Taksim Square. Turkey
Pompeo's meeting with Turkish FM fails to calm tensions Mike Pompeo's first meeting as secretary of state with his Turkish counterpart failed to bring a breakthrough in Ankara-Washington ties, as the Syrian city of Manbij remains a potential flashpoint in relations between Turkey and the United States. Turkey
Did Erdogan's men ask ex-president not to run? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his top brass have not denied reports that he sent his spokesman and the chief of general staff to talk former President Abdullah Gul out of running in the upcoming presidential race. Turkey
Turkey's university faculties unite against being divided Turkish academia is in upheaval following the government’s decision to split up 13 major universities to form new ones, while university departments say that the proposal is fueled by ulterior motives and that resources are already spread too thin. Turkey
Iran, Russia, Turkey close ranks on Syria coordination amid US pressure Moscow and its partners in Tehran and Ankara move to strengthen coordination on Syria as the Trump administration signals an intention to up the stakes. Syria
Turkey’s lone 'she-wolf' leaves opposition fractured Turkey’s Good Party leader Meral Aksener has inspired hope among many that she could beat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the June polls, but others fear she's standing in the way of a united opposition challenge. Turkey
Turkey still working to get Altay tanks rolling After 12 years, things are finally falling into place for Turkey's indigenous Altay tank, but it can't get far without an engine. Turkey
Is Erdogan’s re-election a foregone conclusion? Kurdish sources say that if the presidential election goes to a second round, Kurds would not vote for Good Party leader Meral Aksener but certainly would vote for former President Abdullah Gul if he were on the ballot. Turkey
Turkish opposition dejected as ex-president shuns presidential race Former Turkish President Abdullah Gul will not run in the swiftly approaching elections, and no other candidate stands much of a chance against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Turkish women demand safer, cleaner spaces in mosques Observant Muslim women have won their struggle to access all public buildings in Turkey and will now take on the mosques. Turkey
Assad's forces expected to move on to Idlib The Syrian regime appears ready to target militants in Idlib, but the area is also filled with civilians who have fled there to escape the violence in so many other parts of the country. Syria
Turkey's top Kurdish politician to run for president from behind bars Turkish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party is nominating its jailed former leader Selahattin Demirtas as its candidate in the upcoming snap elections. Turkey