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
Libya has outsized importance for Turkey's Mediterranean plans Turkey's hostility to Libyan forces led by Khalifa Hifter is part of an ongoing strategic power struggle in the region. United Arab Emirates
Erdogan finds warm welcome, 'shared vision' in Beijing Turkey and China put their differences aside at a summit to expand trade and investment, but Beijing’s treatment of its Uighur minority and competition over foreign markets still trouble the relationship. Turkey
Escalation in Idlib may force Turkey to review its position Confrontations between Turkish forces and the Syrian army are becoming more frequent in and around Idlib, the last stronghold of the Syrian opposition. Syria
Intel: Why Turkey is intent on proceeding with Russian arms deal The first shipment of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system will arrive in Turkey “within one week or 10 days,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced yesterday. Turkey
Libya's Hifter frees Turkish sailors Don't expect the release of six Turkish hostages to ease the tensions between Ankara and eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter. Turkey
Turkey continues bombing Iraqi Kurdistan amid Iraq's strong objection Turkish fighter jets bombard Qandil Mountains inside Iraqi Kurdistan, leaving dozens of civilians killed and wounded. Iraq
Russia, Turkey still defending own interests in Syria Fighting goes on in Idlib and Hama provinces between opposition forces and the Syrian regime, and recently Turkey and Russia seem more involved in the confrontations. Syria
There is no room left for Erdogan in Sudan turmoil Sudan’s international failures have provided Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan several opportunities, but now some of the moves are likely to generate significant costs for Turkey. Legacy: Gulf
Trump blames Obama for Turkey’s purchase of Russian weapons The US president said his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been treated unfairly over his decision to buy Russian-made missiles that may jeopardize NATO security. But he stopped short of saying they have a deal to spare Turkey economic sanctions once it acquires the antiaircraft system. Turkey
Opposition aims to curb Erdogan’s powers after election rout The government’s debacle in local polls in Istanbul and most of Turkey’s other big cities has set the stage for a new power struggle in which the opposition appears bent on trimming Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers. The president, in turn, seeks to debilitate the newly elected opposition mayors. Turkey
Egypt reacts to Erdogan's murder charge with boycott Egyptians have called for a boycott campaign of Turkish products after the Turkish president accused the Egyptian regime of killing former President Mohammed Morsi. Egypt
Erdogan confident he can sway Trump to skip sanctions The two presidents will meet at the G-20 summit to discuss a standoff over Turkey’s purchase of a Russian antiaircraft system that obliges the US government to introduce punishing economic sanctions on its NATO partner. Turkey