Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Regional tensions amid US threats to strike Iran

The regional rapidly evolving developments and rising tensions between the US and Iran following media reports that the US is withdrawing some personnel from key bases in the Middle East. This comes amid a possible US strike on Iran, where anti-government protests have been taking place since late last month.

Security developments in Syria’s Aleppo

Latest field developments after the Syrian Army launched intermittent attacks on targets of the terrorist organization YPG/SDF stationed in the city of Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo after the organization targeted army points and civilian homes in the vicinity of the village of Hamima, east of the city, with drones and heavy machine guns.

Gaza ceasefire breaches by Israel

The continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza killing and injuring many in a series of attacks on various areas in the Gaza Strip. The humanitarian situation is also worsened by the effects of bad weather conditions affecting displaced people.

Conflict in Sudan

The field and humanitarian developments in Sudan after the army repelled a major attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on South Kordofan. This comes amid intense clashes between the army and the RSF across Kordofan, triggering the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians.

Greenland-related political developments

Statements from European countries on renewed discussions on Greenland following US President Donald Trump’s remarks that the island is vital for US security due to rising Russian and Chinese activity. He argued that controlling the Danish territory would protect broader Western interests, including the EU.

The EU and European countries reaffirmed Greenland’s sovereignty as an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Visit of Türkiye's vice president to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)

Türkiye's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz to hold a joint press conference with Unal Ustel, the prime minister of the TRNC.

Putin to receive credentials from newly appointed ambassadors

Russian President Vladimir Putin to receive the letters of credence from 34 newly appointed foreign ambassadors.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing

Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing in the capital Moscow.

Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader

US President Trump to meet with Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado at the White House. Visit is the first between Machado and Trump since the US president ordered the Jan. 3 operation that led to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s capture.

US-Japan defense talks

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to host Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi at the Pentagon for bilateral talks. Meeting comes as Washington continues to bolster alliances in the Asia-Pacific to check China’s growing influence.

UN chief's address

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to brief the UN General Assembly on his priorities for 2026. Guterres in his 2026 New Year message called on world leaders to choose “people and planet over pain,” while warning that conflict has hit levels not seen since World War II.

Uganda to hold general elections

Ugandans to head to polls to elect a president and members of parliament. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled the country since 1986, is seeking a seventh term under the National Resistance Movement and is being challenged by seven candidates, including opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, who came in second in the 2021 election.

Chinese premier hosts Canadian counterpart

Chinese Premier Li Qiang hosts Canadian counterpart Mark Carney in Beijing for bilateral talks. It is the first trip to China by any Canadian premier in eight years. Carney is also set to meet with top Chinese lawmaker Zhao Leji.

Italian premier's visit to Japan

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begins three-day visit to Japan for talks with Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi. The two sides are expected to discuss issues of concern, including the progress in the joint development of next generation fighter jet which they are working together with the UK.

Philippines' foreign secretary hosts Japanese counterpart

Filipino Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro hosts Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Manila.

Japanese opposition parties expected to deliberate over merger

Japanese main opposition, Constitutional Democratic Party, and smaller Komeito, are expected to hold a meeting focusing on formation of a new centrist party amid significant rise of far right in the country. Possible merger comes as Japanese Premier Takachi is likely to call for snap elections next week.

THE ECONOMY

UK GDP

UK to release monthly gross domestic product growth data for November. In October, the British economy contracted 0.1%. The country will also release industrial production and foreign trade statistics.

Eurozone foreign trade

Eurostat to share monthly foreign trade and industrial production data for November.

US initial jobless claims

US to release initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the claims were up 8,000 to 208,000.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - Rising prices, falling rial: What’s the state of Iran’s economy?

Report on the state of Iran’s economy as soaring inflation, a collapsing rial, and ongoing US sanctions fuel nationwide protests.

The story presents an overview of key economic indicators, including the rial’s sharp depreciation, annual inflation, declining oil revenues, budget deficits, and GDP growth. It also details the impact on ordinary Iranians, with falling living standards, rising food costs, and growing social unrest.

The report examines the role of sanctions in limiting oil exports and access to foreign currency, structural challenges in non-oil sectors, and the broader implications for economic stability, employment, and public discontent.

When adventure flows abroad: Nepal’s rafting guides leave home for better opportunities

Report on the growing trend of Nepali rafting guides migrating overseas as the country’s rivers remain underdeveloped for adventure tourism, limiting local employment opportunities.

The story examines how political instability, unplanned hydropower projects, and low promotion of rafting in Nepal are pushing trained guides to Japan, Europe, and the Gulf, while highlighting the challenges of becoming a licensed guide and the efforts of rafting academies and operators to retain talent.

The report includes interviews with guides, who explain the economic and career incentives behind migration, alongside insights from rafting instructors and operators on the impact of this exodus on Nepal’s adventure tourism industry.

FACTBOX - Sub-Saharan Africa elections to watch in 2026

Factbox on key elections scheduled across Sub-Saharan Africa in 2026, as the region faces a pivotal year of democratic tests amid entrenched incumbencies, conflict legacies, and institutional challenges.

The story lists major votes planned for the year, including elections in Uganda, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Zambia, The Gambia, and South Sudan, with the latter set to hold its first elections since independence.

It presents details of electoral systems, voter registration, and ongoing security challenges and constitutional issues across the region.