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
Trump admin reaffirms F-35 ban on Turkey after letter from 40 Democrats The State Department's reassurance followed renewed pressure from lawmakers from both parties opposed to Turkey accessing F-35 technology while retaining the Russian S-400. United States
Turkey launches military training for Syria’s new army: What to know Ankara has launched training, consultancy and technical assistance support to Syrian troops, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Turkey
Turkey blocks Instagram account of leading LGBTQ+ group Kaos GL The ban targeting the group, a leading LGBTQ+ organization, follows earlier bans affecting its website and X account. Turkey
NATO summit to be held in Turkey next year, alliance says Brussels' announcement comes as the Trump administration and Erdogan's government have continued to stake out common ground on stabilizing Syria and the southern Caucasus region. Turkey
Somaliland fumes over Turkish envoy's meeting with rebel figure: What to know As diplomatic tensions flare between Ankara and Hargeisa after a Turkish envoy met a rebel figure in Mogadishu, Ankara is downplaying the encounter as circumstantial. Somalia
Turkey, Japan defense chiefs meet as China concerns push Tokyo toward drones The Japanese defense chief’s visit focuses on defense industry cooperation, including a potential drone deal amid Tokyo's growing concerns over China’s naval activity. Turkey
Turkish warship in Tripoli as Ankara courts Libya’s rival administration The port call follows Ankara’s new military cooperation agreement with Tripoli as Turkey reaches out to rival factions in eastern Libya. Turkey
Analysis US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan deal hands Turkey South Caucasus opening The agreement could pave the way for normalizing Turkey-Armenia relations and establishing a long-sought transport link unsettling to Iran. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM slams Fidan’s threats against Syria's SDF As Ankara increasingly threatens the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, the opposition People's Equality and Democracy Party warns that a potential Turkish military operation against the Kurdish-led group could disrupt the peace process at home. Turkey
Exclusive Contrary to Netanyahu's claims, Israel spy chief pushes partial Gaza deal in Qatar As the Israeli prime minister defends his plan to take full control of Gaza, Mossad chief David Barnea pushes for a partial ceasefire deal. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey’s top religious body sparks outrage over women’s inheritance rights Women rights activists say that the body is increasingly targeting women, challenging secular law and fostering conditions for gender-based violence. Turkey
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Tugce Diri’s ‘Silent Witnesses’ invites reflection in Bodrum Bodrum beyond the beaches: art, cuisine and hidden histories. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture