Analysis Saudi Arabia's Houthi crisis tests alliances with Trump, Turkey and Pakistan As the Houthis tighten their grip on the Bab al-Mandeb, Saudi Arabia is turning to new regional alliances while Washington resists calls to intervene. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Behind Turkey’s diplomatic doors Also this week: Hona’s six-seat counter, Galerist at 25 and Contemporary Istanbul’s return. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Turkey Turkey’s test in Yemen As regional tensions mount, Turkey is balancing new defense commitments with its own security interests. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey’s defense giants court Egypt at Alamein Airshow: What to know Three leading Turkish defense companies are participating in the El Alamein Airshow as Ankara seeks new sales and closer military-industrial cooperation with Egypt. Turkey
Analysis With Hurjet test, Turkey seeks defense dominance beyond drones By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Pass the Sugar: Turkey, Middle East Need a 'Tea Party' The region needs more openness and dialogue, and less conspiracy, around its tea culture. Turkey
Israel's Ties With Greece No Substitute For Alliance With Turkey Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu develops relations with Greece knowing that, though beneficial to Israel, they cannot replace the strategic alliance with Turkey. Israel
Turkish Court Confirms Military Coup Attempt In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court of Appeals in Ankara upholds the heavy prison sentences to top ex-officers accused of attempting to oust the government in 2003. Turkey
Sex Trafficking Open Secret In Northern Cyprus A lawmaker reignites a debate on white-slavery trafficking in Turkish Cyprus, where the smoke screen of the “Las Vegas” myth obscures abuse and suffering. Turkey
Syrian Kurdish Leader Urges Turkey To End Support for Salafists Saleh Muslim, co-chairman of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party, had messages for Ankara in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Syria
Three Reasons Why Turkey Is So Polarized The ruling Justice and Development Party can bridge the gaps by not responding to the provocations of the Kemalists. Turkey
Erdogan's Frustration Shows Over Syria Deal The Turkish prime minister is questioning John Kerry's praise of Syria’s compliance to date with UN Security Council Resolution 2118. Syria
Natural Gas Resources May Be Backstory in Syria War The Syria war, like many of the region's other conflicts, has an important oil and gas angle. Lebanon
Women's Film Festival in Gaza Touches on Sexual Taboos The Gaza-based women's film festival has daringly screened films addressing women's issues that are considered taboo in this conservative society, including sexuality and harassment. Palestine
Turkey Should Press Ahead With PKK Process Ankara’s reform package has disappointed the Kurds, but that should not slow the peace process. Turkey
The enigma of Qasem Soleimani and his role in Iraq Al-Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani, profiled in last month's New Yorker, has been among the most influential, and controversial, figures in Iran-Iraq relations. Iraq
Gulf Cities Emerge As New Centers of Arab World While historic Arab capitals such as Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus are embroiled in civil strife, Gulf cities are powering ahead as new centers for Arab culture, education and business. United Arab Emirates