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
Animosity toward US uniting Turkey, Russia, Iran in Syria A loose alliance between Turkey, Russia and Iran in Syria is fraught with tensions driven by developments on the ground, but the three remain united in their desire not to provide advantage to the United States. Syria
Turkey’s graffiti artists: businessmen by day, rebels at night Turkey’s graffiti artists have started taking their work not only to the museums and art galleries, but also to the corporate world. Turkey
Turkey's new nationalism paints West as oppressor A new report by an American think tank suggests that the nationalism sweeping Turkey is an old and successful tactic of promoting a siege mentality that translates to tight control and votes for authoritarian leaders. Turkey
US, Turkey could be on collision course in Syria Neither side is backing down as Ankara and Washington exchange tough talk over potential confrontations in Syria. Syria
Turkey's quest for EU visa waiver more likely to cause strife than progress Turkey has renewed efforts to get a visa waiver from the European Union, but the move could result in fresh tensions, as many in Europe remain incensed over Ankara’s human rights record. Turkey
US support for Kurds in Iraq, Syria unaffected by tensions with Turkey The Pentagon is standing by Kurdish fighters in Iraq and Syria despite growing political pressure to back off, according to a government audit. Iraq
Ankara’s Syria incursion risks sparking long-term ethnic feud in Turkey Turkey’s military intervention into Afrin might disrupt the social ties between Turkey’s Kurds and Turks permanently and spark an ethnic Turkish-Kurdish feud that could last for generations. Syria
Turkey pledges to change terror law to win EU visas Turkey has submitted a position paper to Brussels promising to amend the counterterrorism law to decriminalize journalistic opinions, a long-standing demand from Europe before it will grant Turks visa-free travel. Turkey
Erdogan mobilizes children for propaganda war Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's choice to have small children read politically charged poetry and prayers in the parliament was a brazen embrace of religious nationalism. Turkey
US maintains mystery about long-term intentions in Syria Remember that "border force" the US said it was, and then wasn't, forming in Syria? Apparently, it's already there. Iraq
Erdogan escalates threats to attack Manbij Turkey’s president has promised to widen Turkey’s military offensive in Syria despite US warnings, insisting that the Americans haven't kept their agreement to get the Kurdish militants to withdraw from Manbij. Syria
Despite Ankara's lack of support, Turkish film wins big at Sundance The Turkish government has put private theater and movie productions in a chokehold through restrictions in financing and legal hurdles. Turkey