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
Saudi Arabia’s Quiet Transition Although the ascension the next generation of Saudi Arabia's princes is not a sign of reform, it is a major transformation in the kingdom’s leadership. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan Must Face The Limits of His Power Erdogan’s policies have resulted in divisions and strains in Turkish society. Turkey
Ultras: The Surprise Kids Of Turkey’s Uprising The hard-core fans of Istanbul’s three archrival football clubs joined hands in the resistance against police at Gezi Park. Turkey
Erdogan's Sin of Hubris Israel's national security leaders struggle with predicting the future of the region. Israel
Has Erdogan Overstayed His Welcome? Most countries set term limits for top officials to avoid antagonizing the population and to inject new energy into government; Turkey should do the same. Turkey
The Mideast in Venice Nine Middle Eastern countries are represented at the Venice Biennale, including a piece aptly called "Resistance" from a Turkish artist. United Arab Emirates
Assad Toys With Erdogan Over Riots Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is losing the high ground in his response to protests. Syria
Gaza Youth Flee Harsh Life To Israel Sneaking into Israel is becoming a more attractive option for Gaza’s unemployed youth as living conditions in the besieged enclave continue to deteriorate. Palestine
Iraqi Kurds Criticize Growing Turkish Influence The KRG’s drive for autonomy and stability via Turkey is revealing the gaps between Kurdish economic and political aims and between KRG elites and local populations. Iraq
Black Friday: A Turning Point In Turkey’s History? May 31, 2013, may become one of those turning points for Turkey. Turkey
Erdogan Blames Foreign HandIn Protests Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused foreign intelligence services of being behind the street demonstrations in Turkey. Turkey