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
Despite deadly border clash, Iran-PKK war unlikely Though attributed to the PJAK, the recent deadly border clash along Iran’s border with Turkey involved the PKK and is unlikely to escalate. Turkey
Iraqi Kurdistan faces many obstacles to independence referendum Amid a strong regional disagreement, Iraqi Kurdistan is insisting on holding a referendum on independence in the fall. Iraq
YPG tightens noose around Raqqa The battle for Raqqa is near as arms from the United States are dispersed among the coalition’s Kurdish ally, the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
Turkey's Alevi community fears more than just IS With evidence indicating imminent IS attacks against them, Turkey's Alevi minorities wonder who they can trust after years of dangerous rhetoric and polices from the AKP government. Turkey
Turkey wary of NATO's decision to join fight against IS Turkey didn't veto NATO’s decision to join the anti-Islamic State coalition in Syria and Iraq, but it does consider the move part of a plan to strengthen the Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
US pastor remains political hostage in Ankara If speculation is true that American pastor Andrew Brunson is being held as leverage for the extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen and Iranian-Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab, it marks a new low for Turkey. Turkey
Turkish-German showdown over Incirlik Air Base Ankara’s refusal to allow German lawmakers to visit their troops at Incirlik is forcing Berlin to look elsewhere in the region to redeploy its forces, which could result in the loss of prestige for Turkey. Turkey
Qatari money increasingly important for Turkey Growing ties with Qatar have become a hallmark of Turkish regional policy under the Justice and Development Party, with the two countries now readying to establish a joint wealth fund. Qatar
Turkish town gets ready to smell the roses The Turkish town of Isparta is in the midst of this year's rose harvest, a flower the Ottomans revered for its fragrance, taste and medicinal qualities. Countries
Turkey trial seeks to account for six critical hours during coup As the trial of key Turkish military officers allegedly involved in the failed coup enters its second week, the public awaits answers to questions that have lingered since the July 15 event. Turkey
Iran blames Turkey for PKK-affiliate clash on border An Iranian Kurdish militia's attack on Iranian border guards has further muddled the often contradictory actions of Turkey, Iran and their respective proxies and enemies who occasionally double up as both. Turkey
Defying Erdogan’s calls, Turks rush for dollars A significant amount of loan money, released as incentives for the Turkish business community, appears to have ended up in high-yield bank deposits and foreign currency, reflecting widespread mistrust in the future of the Turkish economy. Turkey