Turkey’s Fidan heads to Moscow as S-400 sanctions issue returns to fore The visit comes weeks before Turkey hosts NATO leaders, on the sidelines of which Ankara hopes to reach a deal with Washington over CAATSA sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400s. Turkey
Analysis Erdogan-Netanyahu war of words signals deeper rivalry for regional influence The latest Erdogan-Netanyahu clash underscored how Turkey-Israel tensions have grown beyond the Palestinian issue and into a wider regional rivalry spanning Syria, Lebanon, Iran and the eastern Mediterranean. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Feature Turkey’s World Cup return clouded by politics, dawn kickoffs Turkey finally has the World Cup moment it waited 24 years for, but much of the country will either be asleep for it or arguing over efforts to claim it. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Turkey Turkey rocked by abuse allegations in Imamoglu crackdown An imprisoned executive’s allegations of abuse shine a spotlight on the widening crackdown against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s opponents. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no final decision yet on deal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis As Trump admin drops Halkbank case, S-400 last big hurdle in US-Turkey ties By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says US strikes render April ceasefire ‘meaningless’ By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkish sports in grip of doping scandals, imported athletes During the years of AKP rule, Turkey’s sports scene has seen an avalanche of doping scandals and an increase in “imported” athletes. Turkey
Erdogan's Ottoman dream causes storm in Red Sea Turkey’s unexpected military-cooperation deal with Sudan and leasing of Suakin Island have rekindled Ottoman fears in the region. Saudi Arabia
Russia 'consulted, heard and feared' in the Middle East Moscow weighs benefits and risks of leverage and leadership in the Syria crisis and the Middle East peace process. Saudi Arabia
Struggle with Sochi guest list reflects animosities over Syria As Russia seeks to overcome Turkey’s objections to Kurdish participation in the planned Sochi conference, Moscow welcomed Kurdish commanders to assure them Kurds are not being excluded. Syria
2018 fraught with uncertainties for Turkish economy Despite its spectacular growth this year, Turkey’s economy is burdened with serious problems and fragilities that might spoil the party next year. Turkey
House parties the New Year's vogue in Turkey Facing increasing public scrutiny about celebrating New Year’s Eve, a lot of Turks find comfort in professionally organized house parties catering to all budgets and tastes. Turkey
Istanbul wary as New Year's approaches Some Turks have complained about the ramped up security around New Year's Eve, but the authorities have every reason to go into prevention overdrive after last year's nightclub massacre. Turkey
Crossing opens to help rebuild Syria, boost commerce with Turkey With the opening of al-Rai border crossing in northern Aleppo, authorities there hope to develop trade activities with Turkey and later allow travelers to move freely between the two countries. Syria
Ancient Mideast tastes mingle in stuffed holiday dishes In the Middle East, just as in the Western world, the end of the year is a time for stuffed dishes — and for debating who started each long and rich tradition. Palestine
Turkey expands impunity for Erdogan loyalists Turkey’s latest set of emergency decrees grant immunity to anyone deemed to have been resisting efforts to overthrow the government during and even after the coup attempt. Turkey
Eastern Mediterranean may be scene of first conflict of 2018 Developments warn of growing tension between Turkey and the Greek Cypriots over newly discovered hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Christmas trees in Aleppo? A new roof in Bethlehem, a desecrated altar in Diyarbakir, Christmas trees in Aleppo and an appreciation of “fellow travelers” in faith. Palestine