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
Following deals with Russia, Turkey now expands military cooperation with China Both China and Turkey are determined to develop their cooperation in the defense and security sectors. Turkey
US defense bill could impact arms exports to Middle East This year’s US defense authorization bill calls for reforming America’s high-tech exports even as weapons sales to the region boom. Saudi Arabia
What will it take to defuse US-Turkey crisis? The US Treasury's sanctions against two high-level Turkish officials — a move unprecedented between NATO allies — has pushed the ailing Turkish lira to record lows against the dollar and the two sides could become trapped in an escalating spiral. Turkey
IMF option looms larger for Turkey amid row with US Turkey’s economic woes keep growing, exacerbated by central bank inaction and simmering tensions with the United States, in what many see as an inevitable march to the IMF. Turkey
Idlib takes center stage at Sochi Syria talks The latest round of Syria talks between Russia, Iran and Turkey held in Russia's Sochi discussed important issues, but deadlocks remain. Syria
Turkey fumes over US sanctions, vows to retaliate The US sanctions may make the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who is at the heart of the current US-Turkey crisis, much harder for Ankara. Turkey
The coming battle for Idlib Syrian regime forces are deploying near and around Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, suggesting that the battle for Idlib is shaping up despite diplomatic gesturing and a statement by Russia denying an imminent operation. Syria
Trump makes good on threat to sanction Turkey The US president is sanctioning two top officials in hopes of pressuring Ankara to release a US pastor, with uncertain results. Turkey
Erdogan vows to hunt down PKK as Turkey buries slain mother, baby News of the killing of a young mother and infant son has sparked nationwide outrage in Turkey, and its president has renewed promises to eliminate Kurdish separatists and their enablers. Turkey
Will Russia, Iran dash Turkey's hopes of becoming energy corridor? The recently signed Caspian protocol between the Caspian littoral states means that Iran and Russia can thwart Turkey’s hopes of transporting Turkmen gas and Kazakh oil via Turkey to Europe. Turkey
Russia, Turkey seek peaceful solutions to 'imminent' Idlib battle Moscow and Ankara are actively working through back channels to ensure a smooth settlement in Syria's Idlib, amid ongoing rumors of an imminent fight between opposition groups and Syrian regime forces. Syria
Is a storm brewing for Turkey in Idlib? The increasing presence of jihadis in the last remaining opposition enclave is giving Bashar al-Assad a pretext to threaten an attack on the region where Turkish forces are also deployed. Syria