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
Who will decide new spiritual leader of Turkey's Armenians? Armenians are wondering how much interference they might encounter in electing a patriarch to replace the late Mesrob II Mutafyan. Turkey
Border wall fight could jeopardize funding for US bases in the Middle East The fight over funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall could impact key US bases in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates
Kurdish politicians urge protesters to spare own lives in Turkey Five people have reportedly died this month while protesting the imprisonment conditions of the jailed leader of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party. Turkey
Turkey relying on events to turn tide against Kurdish YPG A Turkish military operation in northern Syria does not appear to be in the cards, but Ankara is determined to use the threat of one to curb Kurdish aspirations. Iraq
What’s in store for Turkish economy after local polls? Once Turkey’s March 31 local elections are over, Ankara is expected to focus on restoring the confidence of foreign investors — an uphill task that will require bitter pills to redress economic balances. Turkey
Yogurt: The Turks' other delight Home-made yogurt, the common denominator in the varied Turkish cuisine, is making a comeback thanks to today's health food trends. Turkey
Syrian Kurds remain wary of US plan for Turkish safe zone While the United States is pushing for a safe zone along the Turkish border in Syria to protect both sides, analysts warn that meeting their conflicting needs may prove impossible. Syria
Erdogan draws huge crowds, but needs more than base to win Critics say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is using survival and terrorism rhetoric to whip up support and distract from the economy, hoping that voters will be drawn by appeals to their political identity. Turkey
Trump's Golan Heights decision deepens rift with Turkey The list of disagreements between the United States and Turkey is growing with Washington's decision to recognize the Golan Heights as belonging to Israel. Israel
Kurds in Afrin celebrate Nowruz despite ban Kurds in Syria’s northern city of Afrin, joined by internally displaced people, celebrated Nowruz despite a ban imposed by armed opposition factions. Syria
Turkey disgruntled by US support for Greece, Cyprus, Israel summit Ankara believes gathering in Jerusalem aims to block Turkish access to energy resources in eastern Mediterranean. Israel
SDF commander lays out conditions for reconciliation with Damascus In an exclusive interview, Mazlum Kobane warns of a “second great war” if Turkey intervenes militarily; State Department officials explain consequences of "undisciplined armed groups" in Iraq. Syria