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
Will Israeli-Turkish relations leave Hamas in the cold? It remains unclear how Hamas-Turkish ties will be affected by the move by Turkey and Israel toward a resumption of full diplomatic relations. Israel
Youth unemployment poses latest danger to Turkey Young Turks, especially in Turkey's volatile southeast, are facing an increasingly poor employment outlook, leaving them more susceptible to crime and violence. Turkey
Is Turkey ready for global manhunt for Fethullah Gulen? The Turkish government and its media outlets hope the new US administration will hand over the suspected mastermind of the failed coup, but what if Fethullah Gulen decides to play an international cat-and-mouse game with Turkey? Turkey
Is Erdogan’s rise unstoppable? A correlation exists between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s authoritarian shift and the popular support he receives, making for a paradox that is fast dragging Turkey toward a paternalistic rule. Turkey
The final nail in the coffin of peace process in Turkey Following the detention of the mayor of Mardin, reviving the peace process between Kurdish militants and the Turkish government is no more than a pipe dream. Syria
Turkey backpedals on statutory rape proposal Turkey is reconsidering — but not abandoning — a law that would treat perpetrators of statutory rape as "victims," which some fear could open the door to polygamy, honor killings and legalizing marriage at puberty. Turkey
Is Erdogan giving up on EU aspirations? A proposal to join the Russian- and Chinese-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization gets lukewarm reception, even among Turkish Islamists. Turkey
Russia adjusts Syria plan as Obama’s term nears end Russia is trying to figure out all the Middle East scenarios that might affect it under a Donald Trump presidency. Syria
State of emergency shuts down Turkey's NGOs Since the failed July 15 coup attempt, some 1,500 nongovernmental organizations have been banned. Turkey
AKP bill to pardon child rapists who marry their victims Turks are furious over a proposed law that would commute the sentences of men who have sex with minors if they end up marrying the girls, but Turkey’s ruling party has the simple majority it needs to push the law, which it claims is intended to address legal issues surrounding child marriage, through parliament. Turkey
Turkey’s emergency rule fuels brain drain Turkey is losing precious human capital, as many educated Turks are migrating to the West, scared off by ferocious crackdowns since the July coup attempt. Turkey
Help wanted: Turkey advertises for special forces Running short of personnel because of massive purges, Turkey's armed forces are trying to fill the void using civilians. Turkey