Newsletter: FutureVerse Does Middle East have Nvidia problem? Nvidia shares tumbled this week as the company launched an independent investigation, sparking fallout that could reach all the way to the Middle East. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Turkey bars MP’s wife from travel after his fund scandal criticism: What to know Opposition politicians and rights advocates described Yonca Verdioglu Sik’s brief detention as an attempt to intimidate her husband, opposition lawmaker Ahmet Sik, over his criticism of the government. Turkey
Steel factory explosion in western Turkey kills at least 16 Footage from the scene showed a huge plume of thick smoke spreading into the sky as flames engulfed a tall structure within the plant. Turkey
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 By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Israel faces crisis of growing poverty Israel's new national committee on poverty has been asked to propose a comprehensive solution to the alarming increase in Israeli families living below the poverty line, most of them working poor. Israel
Checkpoint hardship for sick Gazans seeking care in Israel Some sick patients in the Gaza Strip have reported that Israeli security officers offered to exchange travel permits for information. Palestine
Gaza youth dream of jobs in Qatar Amid increasing unemployment rates in the Gaza Strip, youth have warmly welcomed an agreement between the Palestinian and Qatari governments to employ 20,000 additional Palestinians in Qatar. Qatar
Why is Turkish writer Sevan Nisanyan in jail? The outspoken Armenian writer is the only Turkish citizen jailed for "construction infractions." Turkey
The future of political Islam: lessons from Turkey, Egypt Islamist parties can either hold on to their rigid ideological base trying to mold their societies to fit within their singular vision, or accept their role as an influential force in a democratic pluralistic regime, within which the rule of law must guarantee the protection of rights for everyone, including Islamists. Egypt
Ruins of Gaza airport tell sad tale Twelve years have passed since Israel destroyed Gaza's international airport, and there's no hope it will be rehabilitated anytime soon. Palestine
Tehran Stock Exchange plunges, baffling investors Why is Iran’s stock exchange falling under President Hassan Rouhani and after the easing of sanctions? Turkey
Erdogan visit to Iran to address Syria, economic ties The visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Tehran will offer an opportunity to defuse tensions on Syria while expanding economic relations. Syria
Russia can't lose in oil deal with Iran Russia is seeking to expand trade ties with Iran and is angling to benefit from any lifting of international sanctions on Iran. Turkey
Erdogan accuses TUSIAD chairman of treason Muharrem Yilmaz, chairman of the Turkish Industry and Business Association, had accused the prime minster of imposing tax penalties against political opponents. Turkey
Iranian TV breaks taboo on music performance Although musicians on a TV show on Jan. 19 were only shown for a few seconds, it has created a stir and rekindled debates about Islam and music. Turkey