Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Developments in Syria
The implementation of the newly extended ceasefire between the government and the terrorist organization YPG/SDF by 15 days following the end of a four-day truce amid SDF violations, including the killing of two people and shelling of villages.
Israel’s Gaza ceasefire violations
The Israeli army continued carrying out frequent strikes across the Gaza Strip, resulting in civilian casualties, widespread infrastructure damage, and displacement, despite a ceasefire in place since last October.
Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon despite ceasefire
The near-daily Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, despite the October 2024 ceasefire, with Tel Aviv claiming the attacks target Hezbollah positions and operatives.
Greenland-related political developments
Monitoring European countries’ statements and reactions on recent developments in Greenland. US President Donald Trump's bid to acquire Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, met strong opposition, with Europe backing Denmark’s sovereignty. After Trump threatened tariffs last week, the EU pledged countermeasures. The US leader softened his stance following a meeting with the NATO chief, discussing a Greenland deal to address security concerns and counter Russian and Chinese influence.
Germany hosts North Sea Summit
Germany to host the third international North Sea Summit for heads of state, government, and energy ministers in Hamburg. The summit will focus on latest regional developments, expanding offshore wind energy and hydrogen infrastructure through greater cross-border cooperation. Invited guests include leaders from Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, along with over 100 company representatives.
Germany’s Wadephul visits Latvia and Sweden
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to Latvia and Sweden. He will meet Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics in Riga, deliver a speech at the Latvian ambassadors' conference, and hold bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Baiba Braze before traveling to Stockholm to meet Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard. Discussions will focus on Baltic Sea security, hybrid threats, critical infrastructure protection, Russia's shadow fleet, and support for Ukraine.
NATO chief to address European Parliament
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will address the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Committee on Security and Defense (SEDE) in Brussels amid tensions over Greenland, after US President Donald Trump’s bid to acquire the Danish territory drew European opposition and EU countermeasures, before talks with Rutte eased his stance.
Briefing breakfast by Iranian ambassador to UN
The permanent representative of Iran, Ambassador Ali Bahreini, will hold a briefing breakfast on recent developments in the country.
Trump to receive Air Force secretary, hold policy talks
US President Donald Trump will receive Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at Oval Office, followed by two separate policy meetings, with all events scheduled to be held behind closed doors.
Protests intensify in Minnesota after 2nd fatal shooting of US citizen in 1 month
Tensions remain high in the US after Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti, 37, was fatally shot Saturday, becoming the second American killed by federal immigration agents in January.
Plans to remove Haiti’s prime minister
Members of Haiti’s chief executive body, the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), have vowed to move ahead with plans to sack Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, drawing US ire, which has demanded the council dissolve next month, as scheduled.
Developments surrounding Russia-Ukraine peace efforts
Developments to be closely followed as Russia and Ukraine entered a new session of US-mediated peace talks aimed at ending the conflict. Comments are expected from both sides following two days of consultations in the UAE on Jan. 23 and 24.
Israeli foreign minister to visit Azerbaijan
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to arrive in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku for a one-day visit. He is expected to have a series of meetings, in particular negotiations with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov. After visit to Azerbaijan, Sa'ar will travel to Kazakhstan.
Rescue operation continues after Philippines vessel accident
Search and rescue operations backed by navy boats and helicopters are ongoing to locate and rescue dozens of passengers who went missing after a ferry carrying more than 300 passengers sank off Basilan province.
Pakistan’s top diplomat Dar hosts counterpart from Myanmar
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hosts Than Swe, foreign minister of Myanmar, in Islamabad. Than is on a 4-day trip to the South Asian nation.
Search continues for missing people in Indonesia landslide
Search and rescue operations for dozens of missing people continue after a landslide hit Indonesia’s West Java. At least 16 people were killed and around 80 people are still missing in the incident.
EU top officials continue India trip
EU Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen continue their official visit to India. The visiting EU officials and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to sign a free trade pact.
Finnish Premier Petteri Orpo on China trip
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is on a 4-day trip to China.
THE ECONOMY
German business climate
German market research institute ifo to release monthly business climate index data for January. In December, the index was down to 87.6 points.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Japan election: Will Takaichi’s ‘honeymoon period’ propel her party to majority?
Report on Japan heading to snap elections just four months after Sanae Takaichi became the first female prime minister, as the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party loses ground to opposition and far-right groups.
The report outlines the reasons for the early vote, set for Feb. 8, including the LDP losing its majority in both houses, the unification of opposition parties, and key challenges facing the world’s fourth-largest economy.
The story includes comments from author and Japan analyst Nancy Snow and academics Saul Takahashi and Chien-Yu Shih assessing the potential outcomes and implications of the snap elections for Takaichi, the opposition, and Japan’s broader political landscape.
INTERVIEW — UN OPT inquiry chair vows to press on amid Israeli curbs and violations
Interview with Srinivasan Muralidhar, chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.
The interview focuses on the commission’s work amid continued Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank and Israel’s non-compliance with provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.
The story also lays out the commission’s findings on continued killings of Palestinians, denial of humanitarian aid, restrictions on access for investigations, the ceasefire process, and the committee’s priorities, including documentation, field access, and urgent humanitarian relief.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO — Interview with UN inquiry commission head Srinivasan Muralidhar on the body’s work amid continued Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank, and Israel’s non-compliance with provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.
