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
Fermented drink warms chilly Istanbul streets Boza, a drink of fermented grains, has long thawed Turkish hands and hearts on cold winter nights. Turkey
Istanbul’s new airport: a looming black hole Istanbul’s giant new airport, scheduled to partially open in October ahead of key elections next year, has become a headache that threatens to carve a black hole in Turkey’s public finances. Turkey
Turkish women take to the streets to demand equality Activists say 15 years of rule by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has eroded women’s rights, even as he has vowed to end domestic violence and strengthen the role of women in Turkish society. Turkey
Russia considering course change after new challenges in Syria As Russia's presidential election approaches, Moscow finds itself recently pressured by several negative developments in Syria that are causing it to re-evaluate its strategy there. Syria
Turkish women's organization looks back on two decades of progress For more than two decades, an organization in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast called KAMER has led the uphill struggle to empower women and challenge often deadly social norms in these patriarchal and war-torn communities. Turkey
Erdogan lashes out at US over support for Syrian Kurdish fighters The president renewed his criticism of Turkey’s NATO partner after a US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia said it would deploy troops to Afrin province to battle the Turkish army. Syria
Death sentences cool warming Iraq-Turkey ties Death sentences imposed by an Iraqi court on Turkish women affiliated with the Islamic State has put Turkey in a difficult spot with its stance on terrorism and puts a brake on what appeared to be improving relations with Baghdad. Iraq
Anti-IS coalition paralyzed as YPG faces Turkey As Turkey's Operation Olive Branch diverts Syrian Kurdish forces from the coalition fighting the Islamic State, a growing number of analysts believe that Washington’s efforts to simultaneously manage Kurdish, Turkish and Russian expectations in Syria are starting to unravel. Syria
Upcoming summit unlikely to restart Turkey’s EU progress For pragmatic considerations, the European Union could offer a new kind of partnership for Turkey to keep it tethered to Europe without making it a full member. Turkey
Turkey moves to take key town in Afrin operation Turkish jets attacked the northern Syrian town of Jindires with the ultimate goal of encircling the city of Afrin. Syria
Stakes rise in Syria as Turkey clashes with pro-Assad militias As Turkey’s forces approach the center of Afrin city in Syria, it is getting harder for Moscow to control events. Syria
Indie film festival showcases Turkey's new directors Turkey’s premiere independent film festival, !f Istanbul, attracts 80,000 viewers to more than 100 films Turkey