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
Heartbreak in Turkey's Diyarbakir as development transforms ancient Sur The Turkish government promised to rebuild Diyarbakir and its ancient heart of Sur, but its modern plans offer both insult and injury to the city's heritage. Turkey
Turkey, Iran, Russia: Trilateral distrust in Syria Iran and Turkey are concerned that Russia might exploit them at some point to achieve its own goals in Syria. Syria
Russia's winning the war for Turkish public's trust Aided by the West's growing irritation with and neglect of Ankara, Moscow is convincing the Turkish public that Russia is its most reliable defense and security ally. Turkey
Why Erdogan now embraces Ataturk Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not claiming to undo Ataturk as many believe. He is rather re-doing Ataturk. Turkey
Turkey demands news as Zarrab drops off radar Turkey's Foreign Ministry issued a formal inquiry about the whereabouts of Reza Zarrab, an Iranian-Turkish businessman held in the United States on money-laundering charges that could implicate Turkey's ruling party. Turkey
Erdogan’s 'pious generation' curriculum gets failing grade The Turkish government is struggling just to generate Band-Aid solutions for deep-rooted education problems. Turkey
Rising oil prices add to Turkey’s economic woes The increase in global oil prices and the depreciation of the Turkish lira are a bruising mix for Turkey, which heavily relies on imports to meet its energy needs. Turkey
Turkey says citizens at risk as IS fighters leave Raqqa Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says a reported deal in which Kurdish-led forces allowed hundreds of jihadis to leave the Syrian city puts Turks in danger. Syria
Turkish defense industry targeting South Asian markets Domestic demand for Turkey's defense products is reaching the saturation point, and Ankara has its eye on South Asia as the most lucrative potential market. Turkey
Putin-Trump statement on Syria contradicts Erdogan’s calculations A joint statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump that there is no military solution in Syria infuriated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Syria
Border crossings deepen Baghdad-Erbil conflict Baghdad insists on taking control of the Kurdistan Region's border crossings with Turkey and Iran, while authorities in Erbil refuse to hand them over to Baghdad. Iraq
Iran, Turkey divide Saudi-led bloc Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is opposed to plans by the other members of the Anti-Terror Quartet to confront Iran and Hezbollah in the Levant, to maintain Lebanon's relatively stable position. Saudi Arabia