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
Turkey backing off support for jihadists on Syria border Turkey’s fading support for Syria’s jihadists is a boon for the PYD; Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu tells Al-Monitor Ankara never aided al-Qaeda-affiliated groups. Syria
Wife of Turkey Foreign Minister says women’s rights improving The Turkish Foreign Ministry sponsored an event on Monday to demonstrate concern about violence against women. Turkey
Turkish artist breaks stereotypes Reknowned artist and well-known leftist Kutlug Ataman surprises with his support for Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party. Turkey
Time to close deal with Iran An agreement with Iran would be a win, if not a breakthrough, for US interests and allies in the Middle East. (Updated) Syria
Will Bulent Arinc, founding father of AKP, depart over dispute with Erdogan? Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Bulent Arinc, a voice of reason in Turkish politics, has signaled that he may retire after a very public dispute with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Of Greek fathers and Turkish sons The racist comments of a senior opposition MP draw reactions from Turkey’s Greek minority, raising questions on how long the party’s neo-nationalists and true social democrats can coexist. Turkey
Despite despair, no signs of third Palestinian intifada The youth of the West Bank are tired of occupation, economic crisis and corruption, but with no charismatic leadership, they do not envisage a third intifada. Palestine
Diyarbakir is ready for the historic visit Diyarbakir is ready for the visits of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani and Kurdish singer in exile Shivan Perwer, upon Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s invitation. Iraq
Is Turkey experiencing the autumn of the patriarch? The Justice and Development Party's well-nurtured image as a unified political force is taking hits. Turkey
AKP’s social media wars Has the Justice and Development Party (AKP) enlisted “social raiders” to take on its critics in the social media? Turkey
Turkey’s restart in regional and foreign energy policies Ankara is recasting its policies toward Cyprus, Israel, Azerbaijan and Iraq. Iraq
Turkey charts new course in Iraq Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's recent visit to Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala is the latest sign of a new, dual-track policy on Iraq that is endorsed by the United States. Egypt