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
Turkey steps up action against Salafi networks Turkey has substantially increased operations against Salafi-jihadi groups in 2017, but Ankara’s real problem is deciding whether to keep them under control or eradicate them. Turkey
Turkey’s wealth fund is less about wealth and more about debt Turkey’s newly established sovereign wealth fund is expected to throw life preservers to companies involved in the government’s “mega-projects” and primarily owned by AKP cronies. Turkey
Trump urged to name religious freedom envoy to smooth out bumpy Mideast policy Former ambassadors say Donald Trump is in dire need of an expert to "school" him on Islam. Iraq
Why Turkey’s approach to Syria may again push it to sidelines Diplomats fear that Ankara may have decided to play a reactive and obstructive role in the Syrian peace talks, rather than a positive and proactive one. Syria
Trump, Erdogan discuss Syria cooperation in first presidential call In their first call since Donald Trump became president, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pushed for an end to the US alliance with the Kurdish People's Protection Units. Syria
Turkey’s top Kurdish politician faces up to 143 years in jail The leader of Turkey’s main Kurdish party faces up to 143 years in jail on terror-related charges and is languishing in jail as the country heads to a fateful referendum. Turkey
How Circassians maintain identity in changing Golan Many Circassians who lost their homes in Quneitra, Syria, opened their doors to Al-Monitor at nearby Madinat al-Baath, where they recounted their stories. Palestine
Ankara shifts public assets to sovereign wealth fund In a move critics say is financially risky and intended to concentrate money into corrupt hands, the Turkish government has created a sovereign wealth fund to finance its infrastructural projects as the lira falls. Turkey
How embracing 'Ottomania' may backfire on Turkey's ruling party As the April referendum approaches, the pro-Erdogan camp’s calculation to benefit from the Ottoman dream is shattered with a member of the dynasty demanding reparations and the throne. Turkey
Ottoman princess stumps for Erdogan Support for the constitutional amendment meant to clear Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s path to an executive presidency is weakening in the polls, and the descendant of an Ottoman emperor is helping finesse nostalgia for the empire's glory days. Turkey
Is Turkey being snowed by flurry of fake defense news? Turkey's news media have been overloaded with exaggerated and at times improbable defense industry and security reports serving as political propaganda for the government. Turkey
3 reasons disgruntled conservatives may sway Turkish referendum Small cracks have appeared in Turkey’s conservative ranks, but they are likely to have a big impact on the outcome of a crucial referendum expected in April. Turkey