Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

French interior minister's visit to Algeria amid tensions

The second and final day of a working visit by French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to Algeria, marking the first visit by a member of the Paris government since April 2025, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria.

Moon sighting for Ramadan in Arab, Islamic countries

Moon sightings for the Islamic month of Ramadan in several Arab and Islamic countries, with astronomical projections indicating that the holy month will begin on Thursday, Feb. 19.

⁠Israel's measures to register West Bank areas as 'state property'

Fallout and reactions to an Israeli government decision allowing the seizure of Palestinian land in the West Bank by registering it as "state property" as part of measures aimed at securing the annexation of the territory.

US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks begin in Geneva

A new round of US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine to end the nearly four-year conflict will begin in Geneva and is expected to last until Feb. 18. The Kremlin has announced that the talks with Ukraine will focus primarily on territorial issues. The Russian delegation is led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, while the Ukrainian side is led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. Kyiv insists on discussing security guarantees before making territorial concessions.

US-Iran indirect talks in Geneva

Iran and the US are reportedly set to hold a second round of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, over Tehran's nuclear program. The meeting is expected to take place at the Omani diplomatic mission in Geneva. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will head the Iranian delegation, while the US will be represented by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

UN briefing

The UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefings.

Teachers in France strike over budget cuts

The SNES-FSU Creteil union has called for a strike by secondary school staff across the Creteil academy to protest the 2026 state budget, which it claims cuts educational resources. The union condemns what it calls a "disgraceful" budget that undermines public services, warning that planned allocations of teaching hours to middle and high schools represent "unacceptable choices" for the sector.

Developments amid Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva

Russia and Ukraine are expected to issue statements as the US-mediated two-day talks to end the nearly four-year war begin in Geneva, Switzerland. According to the Kremlin, the meeting will focus on territorial issues and will cover "a broader range of topics," whereas the first two rounds of talks in the UAE, held earlier this month and in January, were primarily about security issues.

Canadian premier to announce strategic autonomy measures

Prime Minister Mark Carney will tour a production and manufacturing assembly line in Montreal, Quebec, where he will announce new strategic autonomy measures amid tensions with the US.

Trump to hold credentialing, policy meetings at White House

President Donald Trump will receive the credentials of foreign ambassadors and attend two separate policy meetings at the White House. All three events will be held at the Oval Office and are scheduled to be closed to reporters.

Reactions to talks in Geneva

Reactions from the US as American negotiators are in Geneva to attend separate talks with Iranian officials on the country’s nuclear program, as well as trilateral talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials amid efforts to end the war between the two sides.

Argentine union announces plans for strike

Developments after Argentina's largest umbrella union, the General Confederation of Labor, announced a nationwide 24-hour strike to protest President Javier Milei’s proposed labor curbs. The strike is planned to take place as the Senate-approved measure is debated in the lower Chamber of Deputies, expected before the end of the month.

Turkish president to visit Ethiopia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Erdogan will lay a wreath at the Adwa Victory Memorial.

Several agreements and documents are expected to be signed during the trip. The leaders will also appear in a joint news conference.

India's Modi hosts France's Macron in Mumbai

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai, the country's financial capital. The meeting aimed to strengthen ties, particularly in defense, after India approved a new procurement of Rafale jets from the French manufacturer. The two countries' defense chiefs will also hold an annual dialogue in southern Bengaluru city, where they are expected to renew defense cooperation with a joint manufacturing agreement for Hammer missiles.

Bangladesh’s new government takes office

Bangladesh will form a new government, with Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party expected to be the prime ministerial candidate. The newly elected lawmakers and the new Cabinet will take the oath of office after the party won a two-thirds majority in last week's elections, the first time since the 2024 uprising that deposed the Awami League government.

THE ECONOMY

UK unemployment

The UK to release the monthly unemployment rate data for December. In November, the British unemployment rate was stable at 5.1% from the previous month.

German economic sentiment

The German ZEW institute to share monthly economic sentiment index data for February. In January, the index was 59.6 points.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Iran’s missile program: Deal-breaker in talks with US?

Report on growing tensions over Iran’s ballistic missile program, as experts warn it could derail negotiations with the US and heighten regional security risks.

The story examines Iran, the US, and Israel’s positions on the program, detailing how Tehran views the missiles as central to its defense strategy while the US and Israel see them as a major obstacle to diplomacy. It also explores potential scenarios if talks fail, including the risk of a wider regional war.

The report includes commentary from Jim Lamson, researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, and Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group.

PROFILE - Exile, controversy, comeback: Tarique Rahman’s road to power in Bangladesh

Report profiling Tarique Rahman, who is set to become the prime minister of Bangladesh after leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to victory in the country’s first election after the ouster of ex-Premier Sheikh Hasina.

The story examines Rahman’s political journey, from his early exposure to politics as the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman, to nearly two decades in exile in London, and his eventual return last year to take the helm of the BNP. It also explores the challenges he faces ahead in governance, including restoring economic stability, strengthening institutions, and maintaining national unity.

The report includes commentary from Zakaria Polash, strategic coordinator of the Dhaka-based Communication and Research Foundation, on Rahman’s political legacy and the balance he must strike between majority governance and inclusive policymaking.

Will China succeed in push to boost yuan’s global status?

Report on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s push to raise the yuan’s role in international finance, signaling ambitions to reduce reliance on the US dollar and expand the currency’s geopolitical influence.

The story examines Beijing’s efforts to embed the yuan in cross-border trade, currency swaps, and partnerships with BRICS countries, while also assessing constraints such as capital controls, cautious liberalization, and domestic economic limits that could slow its global adoption.

The report features commentary from Brad Setser, researcher at US think tank Council on Foreign Relations, and Asian markets expert Sadi Kaymaz on the yuan’s potential, the multipolar currency system, and the strategic motivations behind China’s drive to internationalize its currency.