Following Turkey's green light for Sweden's NATO membership, there is increased optimism for progress in Turkey-US relations, including the potential sale of F-16 military aircraft. The CAATSA sanctions imposed by the US due to Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems are expected to be a significant topic of discussion. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is in Washington for talks, which will include the seventh meeting of the Turkey-US Strategic Mechanism established in October 2021. Fidan's agenda includes emphasizing NATO alliance commitments, addressing Turkey's stance against terrorist organizations FETÖ and PKK-YPG, and seeking removal from CAATSA sanctions. Experts comment on the potential for a positive shift in US policy towards Turkey, the need for a compromise on the S-400 issue, and the implications of US sanctions on Russia for Turkey.

Bi Dünya Kıvılcım Derneği, an organization founded by Turkish professionals abroad, aims to unite Turks who have moved overseas for education or work under one roof. Inspired by the first generation of Turkish students sent abroad by the state during the Republic's early years, the organization seeks to transform the concept of 'brain drain' into 'brain power' by contributing to Turkey through joint projects. The organization is expanding its network beyond Germany to include professionals in Europe, the USA, Asia, and Australia. Despite the increasing trend of academics and researchers emigrating, particularly since 2014, and a decreasing tendency to return, the organization aspires to bridge the gap between Turkey and its intellectual diaspora, leveraging their expertise and experiences for Turkey's benefit.

The 'Great Retirement Rally' organized by the Revolutionary Workers' Unions Confederation (DİSK), Emekli-Sen, Emekliler Dayanışma Sendikası, and Tüm Emeklilerin Sendikası took place in Ankara. Retirees from various provinces gathered at Anıtpark, supported by unions, democratic mass organizations, and political parties. The rally featured a press statement outlining key demands for pension reform, including adjustments based on premium days and the enactment of an adjustment law, increasing monthly connection rates considering national income growth, reflecting the 8,077 lira given to civil servants to all retirees' pensions, and ensuring holiday bonuses are not less than the minimum wage. DİSK President Arzu Çerkezoğlu spoke at the rally, emphasizing the struggle against injustice and the right to a humane life in retirement, highlighting the plight of 10 million retirees trying to live on 7,500 lira pensions.

The Good Party has rejected the collaboration offer from the CHP's new leader, Özgür Özel, for the upcoming local elections, deciding to enter the March elections independently.

The spokesperson for the Equality and Democracy Party (HEDEP), Ayşegül Doğan, announced that the party is considering entering local elections across Turkey with its own candidates. This decision will be finalized by the Party Council in the future. HEDEP aims to win through a strategy of 'city consensus' and plans to use inclusive primaries to select candidates. The party's approach differs from its previous strategy of supporting the Republican People's Party (CHP) in major cities to defeat the ruling 'People's Alliance' (AKP-MHP). Political Science expert Prof. Dr. Gülgün Erdoğan Tosun commented on the potential impact of HEDEP's decision on voter behavior, especially among Kurdish voters in Istanbul.

The Ankara 31st Civil Court of First Instance decided to remove the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Central Council from duty and take the first step towards appointing trustees, following a lawsuit initiated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. This legal action began after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli targeted the TTB in October 2022. The decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court, and if upheld, the elected TTB management will be replaced by trustees. The TTB and various political figures and professional organizations have expressed strong opposition to the decision, emphasizing their commitment to continue their struggle for health rights, democracy, and justice.

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) faces a legal decision to remove its Central Council and appoint trustees, a move that has sparked widespread reactions. The process began following criticisms from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli in October 2022. The 31st Civil Court of First Instance in Ankara ruled in favor of the action, which will be appealed to the Supreme Court. If upheld, the elected TTB management will be replaced by trustees. Statements from TTB, political figures, and professional organizations have condemned the decision, emphasizing the continuation of TTB's work and the struggle for health rights, democracy, and justice.

Women gathered in response to a call from the Ankara Women's Platform, uniting under the slogan 'Together against war, crisis, poverty, and male-state violence!' during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Mukaddes Angay of the KESK Women's Council read the protest statement, highlighting that 347 women were killed by male violence this year alone, accusing the government of protecting perpetrators and rewarding them with policies of impunity. Despite these challenges, surviving women face systematic targeting and unjust trials by the male judiciary. The statement also mentioned the human tragedy in the Middle East, the struggles of women in earthquake zones, and the conditions of students in Credit and Dormitories Institution dormitories.

At the Republican People's Party's (CHP) 38th Ordinary Congress, a race for the Party Council (PM) seats ensued, with newly elected general chairperson Özgür Özel's key list facing opposition from Istanbul Deputy Oğuz Kaan Salıcı's candidate list. The PM consists of 60 members, with 8 from the Science Culture Art Platform (BKSP) selected from the general chairperson's 12-person list. The remaining 52 PM seats are contested by all candidates on an open list. The High Discipline Committee (YDK) has 11 members. The second day of the congress began with PM and YDK elections, which continued into the third day. The congress, which started under the leadership of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu with the theme

The first international half marathon in Ankara, Runkara, saw significant interest with nearly four thousand participants. The event featured categories for families, entertainment, challenges, and elite athletes. It started at Anıtpark and concluded in front of the ATO Congresium.

Özgür Özel, the Group Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), and former Party Assembly member Prof. Dr. Örsan Kunter Öymen have announced their candidacy for the CHP chairmanship at the party's 38th Ordinary Congress. Özel emphasized his aim to bring CHP, the party of Atatürk, to power, not just to win internal party leadership. The upcoming congress will focus on the leadership race following the defeat in the May 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections. Current CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has not stepped down, and there is a debate within the party about its role and future. Özel criticized the current CHP management and the Nation Alliance's cooperation model, while Öymen criticized both the current leadership and the change team supporting Özel's candidacy, advocating for a third path aligned with Atatürk's principles.

Religious minorities in Turkey, residing in the region hit by the early February earthquake, have suffered significant losses in terms of life and property, similar to other Turkish citizens. The earthquake has put the existence of these communities at risk.

Following the announcement of Turkey's first coronavirus case by the Turkish Health Ministry, there has been a surge in public demand for preventive supplies such as face masks and sanitizers. This report, filed by Umut Colak from Istanbul and Murat Karabulut from Ankara, highlights the resulting shortages and the rapid increase in prices for these items. The situation has led to concerns about the country's preparedness for a potential nationwide pandemic. Bezhan Hamdard provided the narration for the report.