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
Erdogan seems unhappy with system he created in his image It's unclear whether Turkey's government respects the rule of law, even though the administration has redesigned many of the laws to suit itself. Turkey
Egypt’s trade with Turkey grows despite political rift Egyptian efforts to attract investors and openness to Turkish investors have helped reduce Cairo's trade deficit with Ankara, despite ongoing tense bilateral political relations. Egypt
US spending bill drops Turkey sanctions A draft spending bill has dropped proposed Turkey sanctions meant to target Turkey's detention of Americans and US consulate staff amid US efforts to ease tensions with Ankara. Turkey
Istanbul cabbies rage against Uber The people of Istanbul quickly embraced Uber's clean, safe cars and polite service, and thousands of taxi drivers are starting to react with violence. Turkey
Syrian opposition forms force to hold its army accountable There's a new sheriff in town, so to speak, now that the Syrian Interim Government has established a military police unit in northern Aleppo. Syria
Fall of Afrin: Turkey’s Vietnam or Washington’s nightmare? Following the fall of the Syrian city of Afrin to Turkish forces March 18, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's threats to expand operations to other regions controlled by Syrian Kurdish forces seem credible. Syria
Turkey's tiny Saadet Party emerges as potential kingmaker The Islamist Saadet Party's message of reconciliation and more moderate approach to religion may build support beyond its conservative base, especially with voters disenchanted after 15 years under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
First female deputy of religious body comes at tough time for Turkish women Huriye Marti has assumed the highest office at Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs thus far by a woman, but is it a step in the right direction for the situation of women in Turkey? Turkey
Virtual farming game cheats Turks out of real property Turkish prosecutors have opened an investigation into a young man being accused of using a Ponzi scheme to bilk around 80,000 Turks out of millions of dollars. Turkey
Turkey demands 'respect' after taking Syria’s Afrin from Kurdish militia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the United States to support its NATO partner as it prepares to expand military operations against the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
Turkey rolls into Afrin, apparently on way to Manbij The city of Afrin, Syria, unexpectedly fell after Kurdish fighters surprisingly retreated, leaving the world watching for Ankara's next move. Syria
Syria situation still complex as negotiations go on — and on Despite negotiations in Geneva and Egypt, and eight rounds of peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, the Syrian war entered its eighth year this month. Syria