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
Trouble brews as militants amass on Turkey's border With evacuations from eastern Ghouta, the number of jihadis in Syrian territories controlled by Turkey has doubled, yet Turkey appears to be nonchalant regarding this threat. Syria
More bad news for Turkey's EU accession bid The European Union's most recent report on the state of Turkey's bid to join the bloc appears to confirm the view of many analysts that the current process is riddled with hypocrisy and is not beneficial to either party. Turkey
EU's critical report on Turkey draws criticism itself Turkey has an oddly mild reaction to a bruising report from the European Commission. Turkey
Jailed US pastor finally appears in Turkish court American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who has become a political football between the United States and Turkey, finally got a chance this week to address a Turkish court. Turkey
Erdogan ally calls for early elections President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and head of the Nationalist Action Party Devlet Bahceli will meet tomorrow to discuss the latter's call for early elections. Turkey
Will Ankara’s support for Syria strikes impact Turkish-Russian ties? Turkey’s enthusiastic support for US-led strikes targeting Assad’s military assets prompts questions about Ankara’s erratic approach to the Syrian crisis. Syria
Despite emphatic past denials, Erdogan calls for early elections By moving presidential elections up by over a year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has everything to gain. Turkey
Soccer mirrors politics in polarized Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's promotion of a soccer team that subscribes to conservative Islamic values has more so polarized fans than won them over. Turkey
Why so many Turks are losing faith in Islam Turkish politicians and media outlets have been discussing why so many young people are opting for “deism” at a time when Islam seems more ascendant than ever. Turkey
Iranian sculptor's desire for artistic freedom takes him across region Iranian Kurdish sculptor Seywan Saeedian's life takes him across borders in a conflict-torn region, where artistic independence often comes at a steep price. Turkey
After missile strikes, Trump resumes exit strategy for Syria "No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East," Trump says. Syria
Turkey's response to US-led Syria strikes: Not enough but welcomed Immediate Turkish official reactions to the US-led airstrikes in Syria differ significantly from the public’s perceptions: While most Turks are skeptical of Western bombing of a Muslim nation, Erdogan fans afflicted by "Assad-phobia" cheered. Syria