Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Rising tension in Yemen

Developments in the situation in Yemen, as presidential council’s 90-day state of emergency takes effect amid tensions with the Southern Transitional Council and Saudi Arabia calls for a UAE troop withdrawal, after a Saudi-led coalition airstrike targeted weapons and combat vehicles at the port of Mukalla reportedly arriving from the UAE port of Fujairah.

UN mission to conclude mandate in Iraq

UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is set to end its 22-year mandate on Dec. 31, reflecting post-war transformation of the country’s security situation and political landscape.

Anticipated move to phase 2 of Lebanon’s plan to have monopoly on weapons

Expected move to phase 2 of five-phase army plan to place all weapons under Lebanese authority, including Hezbollah’s.

Phase one focuses on withdrawing Hezbollah’s weapons south of Litani River by the end of this year, with subsequent phases extending north toward Awali River.

Trump to attend New Year's Eve Party

US President Donald Trump to attend New Year’s Eve party in Palm Beach, Florida.

Israel’s Netanyahu continues multi-day US visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Florida on a multi-day trip to the US during which he held talks with Donald Trump at the president’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Israeli reports say Netanyahu is expected to remain in the US until the beginning of January for possible additional meetings with senior administration or elected officials.

New York City’s Zohran Mamdani to be sworn in as mayor

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to be sworn in at a private midnight ceremony. During the event, set to take place at Old City Hall Station, New York Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath of office alongside Mamdani’s family. It will be followed by a separate public event the following afternoon at City Hall.

European reactions to Trump–Zelenskyy meeting in Florida

Following reactions from European capitals and EU institutions after Sunday meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida. The talks took place against the backdrop of ongoing battlefield pressure on Ukraine and mounting questions in Europe over the durability of Western security guarantees.

Russian, Ukrainian presidents to give year-end addresses

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give year-end addresses to their respective nations. Speeches are expected to cover efforts to resolve nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war.

Developments in talks on draft 20-point Ukraine peace framework

Following developments from Moscow and Kyiv as discussions continue around a 20-point peace framework to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war.

US and Ukrainian presidents held an in-person meeting in Florida to discuss draft document and its sensitive issues which have still to be resolved, namely the topics of territory and operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Russia has yet to comment on the document.

Developments after Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers

Following developments as Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers after 155 days of captivity. Release comes as a confidence-building measure amid ongoing ceasefire since the weekend after weeks of clashes which left 99 people dead. 18 Cambodian soldiers were in Thai custody since earlier border clashes in July.

Developments, reactions after China holds large military drills around Taiwan

Monitoring developments and reactions after China held large military drills around Taiwan in a stern warning against “Taiwan independence separatist forces” as well as “external interference.” Taipei condemned drills, stating Taipei does not seek conflict.

New Zealand, Australia face severe weather

New Zealand and Australia facing severe weather affecting thousands of people. While New Zealand saw much of its territory without electricity, authorities in Western Australia have established an emergency evacuation center to shelter people displaced by former Tropical Cyclone Hayley, now downgraded to a category one system.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's foreign trade

TurkStat to announce monthly foreign trade data for November. In October, Türkiye posted a foreign trade deficit of $7.58B.

US employment

US to release weekly jobless claims figures. In previous week, 214,000 jobless claims were issued and similar figure is expected Wednesday.

SPECIAL REPORTS

YEAR-ENDER – How conflict has changed since 2000

Report on how the nature of war has evolved over the past 25 years, from Cold War–shaped conflicts to post-9/11 warfare defined by prolonged fighting, civilian harm, and rapid technological change.

Story examines how the “war on terror” reshaped global conflict dynamics, why wars now tend to last longer without clear endings, and the growing role of drones and information warfare, alongside rising global defense spending and the erosion of wartime norms.

The report includes insights from William Thomas Allison, a historian of modern war, and conflict analyst Suda Perera.

YEAR-ENDER – Africa in 2025: 2 military coups and 1 failed attempt

Coverage of political instability across Africa in 2025, with military takeovers in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and a failed attempt in Benin, highlighting ongoing challenges to constitutional governance.

Report details Madagascar’s Oct. 14 seizure of power by CAPSAT forces amid anti-government protests, Guinea-Bissau’s Nov. 26 coup following a disputed presidential election, and Dec. 7 foiled attempt in Benin, contained by loyalist troops.

Story notes international and regional responses, highlighting that 11 military takeovers have taken place since 2020, the highest number in any post-Cold War period.

YEAR-ENDER – Europe at a crossroads: Rethinking strategy as US shifts priorities

Report on how Washington’s reassessment of its global priorities is forcing Europe to confront difficult decisions on security, defense spending, energy policy, and political integration amid growing uncertainty in transatlantic relations.

It explores strains in US-Europe relations in 2025, NATO’s continued role as the backbone of European security, and debates over strategic autonomy as analysts warn 2026 could be decisive.

Story features analysis from Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund and Spyros Blavoukos of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy.

YEAR-ENDER – Asia’s space ambitions accelerate as China pulls ahead

Story on how Asia emerged as a major force in the global space race over the first quarter of the 21st century, with China leading regional advances through independent orbital infrastructure, lunar ambitions, and rapidly rising investment.

Report traces diverging national trajectories across Asia, comparing China’s push for space autonomy, India’s cost-efficient, identity-linked missions, Japan’s efforts to reform a challenged program, and South Korea’s rise as a launch-capable power, while assessing North Korea’s opaque space activities.

Report includes comments from Francesco Rosazza Boneitin of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies.