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
No release for jailed journalists in Turkey’s Cumhuriyet case During the latest hearing in a state lawsuit against journalists from Turkey's Cumhuriyet newspaper, the court has upheld its decision to keep the defendants in jail until the next hearing. Turkey
How wise is Turkey’s plan to revoke Gulen’s citizenship? Ankara has laid the legal groundwork to revoke the citizenship of the accused mastermind of last year’s coup attempt, Fethullah Gulen, a controversial move in which some see covert motives. Turkey
Turkish spy chief headed for Erbil, whisper KRG officials Rumor has it that the head of Turkish intelligence is planning a trip to Erbil, where he would face an uphill struggle to free Turkish operatives allegedly held there and perhaps discourage the upcoming referendum on independence. Turkey
Iran, Turkey to send aid to Myanmar’s Muslims Iranians condemn the inaction of the United Nations with respect to the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Turkey
Iraqi Kurds’ referendum fever spills over to Turkish cousins As Iraqi Kurdistan’s independence vote nears, some Turkish Kurds are making efforts to thaw Turkish opposition to the referendum. Iraq
‘Earth is flat,’ pro-Erdogan youth leader argues The conspiratorial mindset that led an AKP youth leader to doubt that the Earth is round is the signal of a powerful ideological drive in today’s Turkey. Turkey
FSA relocating to outside Syria's liberated areas The Free Syrian Army factions in areas liberated in northern Syria are moving their forces out of cities and towns to the outskirts in an effort to end clashes with civilians and ease the minds of returning residents. Syria
Abbas turns to Turkey for Fatah-Hamas reconciliation help Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara to discuss Turkish assistance in the Palestinian reconciliation process. Palestine
Is Saudi Arabia 'ready to turn page' on Iran? A shifting regional landscape may force a reset in Riyadh and Tehran; armed groups backed by the United States and Turkey battle outside Aleppo. Saudi Arabia
Why Turkey’s honey production is going sour Turkey’s honey production is the second largest in the world after China, but the sector is buzzing with allegations of fake honey. An upcoming international bee congress may be an opportunity to explain the matter. Turkey
Celebrity incest scandal yanks abuse out from under Turkish rug A scandal over a celebrity’s incestuous relationship has forced Turkey to discuss its dark secrets about widespread abuse. Turkey
Gauging aftermath of Turkey’s great intelligence gaffe Turkey's government and media are keeping mum about what appears to be the biggest blunder in the recent history of Turkish intelligence. Turkey