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
Ankara backtracks on freedom to commemorate Armenian murders The 2018 commemoration of the Armenian massacres was memorable for the ban on using the word "genocide" and a big drop in attendance. Turkey
Afghans fleeing violence unwelcome in Turkey Human rights groups warn that thousands of Afghan refugees in Turkey face abuse and deportation as the country focuses on the millions of Syrian asylum-seekers ahead of this summer's vote. Syria
Turkey’s snap elections set to escalate tensions with Europe Questions about the fairness of the June 24 elections and bans prohibiting Turkish politicians from campaigning in parts of Europe signal new strains ahead in Turkey’s relations with the West. Turkey
Can 'de-dollarization' break Iran’s economic isolation? While there are many risks involved with currency swaps, such endeavors do present an opportunity for Iran to enhance the stability of its economy. Turkey
Turkey backs new opposition governance to mend Afrin A local council in Afrin, Syria, is being formed to help restore the city's services and improve people's quality of life. Syria
Erdogan breathes new life into Turkey's opposition An Erdogan victory is looking less inevitable with a move by the Republican People's Party that will allow the right-wing Good Party to contest elections in June and perhaps draw former President Abdullah Gul into the running to once again lead Turkey. Turkey
Disgruntled Kurds emerge as potential kingmakers in Turkey’s polls Kurdish frustration with Ankara’s shift from a policy that favored settlement with the Kurds to hard-line nationalism could sway the outcome of critical snap polls in June. Turkey
Stymied in Syria, Turkey quietly ups actions against PKK in Iraq Turkey has slowed its military operations in Syria and appears to be shifting attention to northern Iraq to intensify operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party. Iraq
Iran FM: Trump administration 'never in' nuclear deal In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke about Tehran’s potential response as the United States weighs pulling out of the nuclear deal. Yemen
US sanctions loom over defiant Turkey Congress is threatening to pursue targeted sanctions against Turkish officials as tensions heat up over the ongoing detainment of American Pastor Andrew Brunson. Turkey
Why are Turkey’s gold reserves on the rise? The Turkish central bank’s gold reserves have reached an unprecedented level of more than $25 billion under a strategy shift driven by a combination of financial strains and risks stemming from tensions with the United States. Turkey
Is AKP victory inevitable in upcoming Turkish polls? Conventional wisdom has it that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party will emerge victorious from snap elections called for June, but a closer look at the current situation in Turkey casts doubt on such certainty. Turkey