Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, February 16, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Reactions to Israeli government’s plan to register West Bank areas as “state property”
More reactions to the Israeli government approving a proposal to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property" for the first time since the Israeli occupation of the territory in 1967. The process includes issuing sale permits, collecting fees, and overseeing registration procedures, while preventing the Palestinian Authority from carrying out such tasks in those areas.
German president's visit to Lebanon
The second day of a three-day official visit by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, where he is expected to meet with Lebanese leadership, including President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The focus will be on supporting Lebanon on its path towards greater stability and economic growth.
Jordanian king's visit to UK
The Jordanian monarch Abdullah II continues his open-ended visit to the UK, which began the day before. He plans to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss regional developments and ways to strengthen Jordan-UK relations. King Abdullah II will also preside over a new round of the Aqaba Meetings, an international security initiative launched in 2015 to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism.
US secretary of state visits Hungary
Marco Rubio is in Budapest as part of a European tour that has also included stops in Germany and Slovakia. Rubio's visit comes after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged US President Donald Trump to visit the country ahead of the April elections.
Trump returns to Washington from Mar-a-Lago
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to return to Washington, DC, after spending the weekend and the Presidents' Day federal holiday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He is expected to speak to reporters during the trip.
Humanitarian, energy crunch in Cuba
Cuba is facing a severe humanitarian and energy crisis amid the US's ongoing oil embargo, as well as increased pressure following last month's American military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro.
Reactions to Israeli Cabinet measures on West Bank
European countries are expected to respond to the Israeli Security Cabinet's recent decision to approve measures aimed at reshaping the legal and civil frameworks, as well as expanding the illegal annexation of the occupied West Bank.
Russia, Ukraine prepare for new round of US-mediated peace talks
Russia and Ukraine continue to fight while preparing for a new round of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, scheduled for February 17-18. Moscow and Kyiv are expected to issue statements regarding the upcoming talks.
Congolese government, rebels prepare to implement an Angola-brokered ceasefire
The Congolese government and AFC/M23 rebels are preparing to implement an Angola-brokered ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. UN Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations MONUSCO's Jean-Pierre Lacroix said forces would be deployed in Congo's border city of Uvira in South Kivu province to monitor the ceasefire.
Pakistani Premier Shehbaz Sharif's trip to Austria continues
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in Austria on an official visit, which includes a meeting of the Pakistan-Austria Business Forum.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party moves to form government
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is in the process of forming a new government after winning its first elections since the Awami League party's 15-year rule was overthrown in 2024. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is likely to be the party's prime ministerial candidate.
New Delhi hosts India AI Summit
New Delhi hosts the India AI Summit, which focuses on how artificial intelligence can advance humanity.
THE ECONOMY
Eurozone industrial production
Eurostat to release monthly industrial production data for December. In November, the industrial production rose 0.7% on a monthly basis.
SPECIAL REPORTS
UK trapped in a ‘moral and legal void’ over Palestine Action ban: Ex-government lawyer
Report on the mounting legal and political fallout after a High Court ruled the UK government’s ban on Palestine Action unlawful, with critics warning the counterterrorism crackdown risks undermining civil liberties and public trust.
The story examines the government’s response to the ruling, explaining the process of its court challenge and how it would extend incarceration for dozens of Palestine Action members. It also explores how the government’s position has been weakened by jury acquittals, judicial criticism and the dismissal of intelligence claims by the independent terrorism watchdog.
The report includes an interview with Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer and co-founder of Defend Our Juries, who warns that British ministers are trapped in a “moral and legal void,” urging them to “stop digging” and heed public sentiment.
Indigenous guardians fight to save Amazon’s vanishing jaguars
Report on the accelerating decline of jaguar populations across the Amazon and the growing role of Indigenous communities in protecting the species and its fragile ecosystem.
The story presents an overview of the pressures squeezing jaguar populations, from deforestation, wildfires, and mining to the growing influence of the cocaine trade in remote Amazon regions. It further explains how the loss of jaguars would destabilize forest ecosystems.
The report also documents community-led conservation efforts, including cultural festivals, education campaigns, and partnerships with nonprofits, and has interviews with Indigenous leader Lloyd Manuyama, conservationist Priscila Peralta Aguilar, and other related officials.
