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
Can Erdogan’s Baku visit fix Turkey-Azerbaijan rift? A dispute over religious dress in schools has exposed deeper tensions between the two allies, with energy, arms sales, Israel and financial interests adding to the strain. Turkey
Will Syrian Kurd self-rule trigger Turkish action? Experts argue that Turkey might not react to the announcement of the Federal Democratic System of Rojava and Northern Syria by Syria’s Kurds, as Ankara is currently embattled with its own Kurds on the inside. Syria
Bosporus 'bulls' defy terrorist threat Turkey’s financial markets have continued to rally despite a string of bloody terrorist attacks, but their festive mood could sour at a stroke. Turkey
Is corruption suspect's US arrest bad news for Erdogan? The US arrest of Reza Zarrab, allegedly a key figure in Turkey’s bribery and corruption scandal, has set off alarm bells in Ankara. Turkey
Bomb scare ends century-old run of Turkish soccer match Turkey's postponement of a major soccer match reveals much about the country's failure to combat terror, and cancellations of other public events are likely to follow. Turkey
Is Turkey ready to become Europe’s border guard? Opposition says the deal aims to reduce Europe’s discomfort and poses a threat to Turkey. Syria
Is Turkey swaying back toward Iran? The recent visits of Turkey’s prime minister to Iran and the Iranian foreign minister to Turkey may indicate a turning point in relations between these two important neighbors. Turkey
Massoud Barzani vows to fight corruption with same dedication as KRG has fought IS Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani discussed his meetings with the judiciary to launch a corruption investigation, starting with his own family and the KDP. Iraq
Why are Turkey’s dogs committing suicide? The problem of abandoned dogs in Turkey has worsened in recent years, and animal rights groups are standing up to promote anti-abuse legislation. Turkey
Will the Islamic State survive 2016? The Islamic State's loss of territory has some experts predicting its demise, but are we sure? Iraq
EU deal with Turkey to send back refugees already on thin ice The consensus on the resolution of the Syrian refugee crisis by Turkey and the European Union may not last long due to its fragile framework. Syria
What Russia's withdrawal means for Syria conflict Opinions vary about the repercussions and motives behind Russian President Vladimir Putin’s partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria. Syria
Erdogan takes authoritarian rule to new heights in war on PKK Terrorist bombing in Turkey kills two Americans as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan resurrects "thought crimes" in confronting critics; Is Iran a spoiler in Palestinian politics? Israel cool to feelers from Sudan. Saudi Arabia