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
Turkish fest takes Roma culture upmarket, but Roma still down Roma music and dancing dominate the Hidirellez festivities that usher in spring in Turkey, but the country’s 4 million-strong Roma population finds little to celebrate in their daily living conditions. Turkey
High-profile resignation rocks Turkey’s secular opposition CHP Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party is facing a shakeup as its popular deputy chair resigns over party’s inability to effectively respond to impending new political regime. Turkey
Can Syrian refugees become boon to Turkey's economy? The labor shortage in some of Turkey’s economic sectors — especially manufacturing, agriculture, and child and elder care — can offer employment opportunities for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees who are unlikely to return home. Turkey
How are Iraq's Yazidis faring amid Kurds' confrontations? Turkey’s bombing of Yazidis' Sinjar homeland deepened the argument between the Kurdish Democratic Party and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Iraq
Can Ankara ever balance its policy in Syria? Turkey, Iran and Russia sign an agreement to establish safe zones in Syria, but the United States voices its concerns. Syria
Putin changes conversation on Syria with cease-fire plan Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the de-escalation zones are linked to US safe zone discussions. Syria
Syria to get civilian safe zones Cease-fire mediators have agreed to establish and enforce areas free from fighting in Syria. Syria
The real reason behind Turkey’s skyrocketing welfare spending The number of people entitled to social welfare assistance has reached 15.5 million in Turkey, raising questions on what lies behind the government’s generosity. Turkey
Turkey unveiling defense industry innovations it hopes will boost exports Turkey’s defense industry will exhibit ambitious products at the IDEF Fair, largely aimed at foreign markets. Turkey
How the US stood with Syria's Kurds Turkish airstrikes against the YPG in Syria animated the region, but the US-led anti-Islamic State coalition is standing its ground when it comes to defending the Syrian Kurds. Syria
No end in sight for Erdogan's purges after referendum The Turkish government’s narrow victory in last month’s constitutional referendum has emboldened new purges, affecting hundreds of police officers, academics and civilians. Turkey
Kurds rage as Turkish police flee scene of fatal crash Police officers crashed into a home in Kurdish town, killing two children, and furious residents are demanding an end to security forces' impunity. Turkey