ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, August 15, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
US-Iran diplomacy and Hormuz negotiations
Developments and global reactions surrounding diplomatic efforts to revive direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran, including mediation initiatives, possible political or technical-level contacts, and discussions related to the Strait of Hormuz and maritime security.
Military developments in Yemen
Developments as clashes continue between Yemeni government forces and Houthi group, alongside Houthi military operations targeting Saudi Arabia, cross-border attacks, and their implications for regional stability and Red Sea maritime security.
Israeli military operations in Gaza
Developments in Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, including airstrikes, ground operations, evacuation orders, the humanitarian situation, and diplomatic efforts related to the conflict.
Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank
Developments surrounding Israeli military raids and security operations across the occupied West Bank, including arrests, clashes, settler attacks, and official Palestinian and Israeli responses.
Security developments in southern Lebanon
Developments following Israeli military activity and reported ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon, including cross-border incidents, Lebanese army deployments, diplomatic efforts, and their security and humanitarian implications.
Security and humanitarian situation in Sudan
Developments in the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, particularly in the Kordofan and Darfur regions, with a focus on battlefield developments, humanitarian conditions, displacement, and aid operations.
Tension within EU over migration policies
Ongoing tensions and debates among EU member states over calls to strengthen migration policies and border security measures, fueled by the recent migrant influx in Spanish enclave Ceuta from Morocco.
Heat wave and wildfires sweep across Europe
Developments after warnings of dangerous heat and elevated wildfire risk across Europe, particularly in France, Spain, Belgium, and Greece, as major blazes are brought under control or stabilized, while Greece continues to battle multiple active fires fanned by strong winds, temperatures remain high, and the risk of further outbreaks continues.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both countries' troops striking each other, mainly at night, using drones and missiles. Updates, including frontline war reports, air strikes, the possibility of resuming peace talks, and humanitarian exchanges.
Japan's ruling party officials expected to visit controversial shrine
Key officials of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party are expected to visit Yasukuni Shrine on South Korea's Liberation Day and Japan's World War II surrender anniversary. Visits to the controversial shrine have long been a source of diplomatic friction between China and Japan, particularly among nations affected by Japan’s wartime actions.
India marks Independence Day
India celebrates its Independence Day, marking 80 years since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Remarks from leaders are expected.
Asian countries battered by adverse weather
Asian countries face heavy rains and high temperatures across region.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW – ‘I can’t come back’: Pro-Palestine Cornell student calls funding ultimatum ‘manipulation’
Interview with Cornell University PhD candidate Amandla Thomas-Johnson, who says he cannot safely return to the US after leaving the country amid fears of immigration detention over his pro-Palestinian activism.
Thomas-Johnson recounts going into hiding for months after ICE officers arrived in Ithaca and eventually leaving the US in April 2025. Now living in Cairo after moving between several countries, he says his visa has effectively been revoked and he does not know whether he could face detention if he returned.
The interview focuses on his dispute with Cornell, which he says has told him and fellow graduate student Momodou Taal to return to teach or risk losing their funding. Thomas-Johnson describes the demand as “politically motivated” and “manipulation,” arguing that the university knows returning to the US is not a realistic option for him as he enters the final year of his PhD.