Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Developments in northern Syria’s Aleppo after SDF terrorist attacks

Security and field developments in northern Syria’s Aleppo following attacks by SDF terrorist group on residential areas and army deployment sites in Ashrafieh, Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Midan neighborhoods, killing four people and injuring others.

Ceasefire monitoring committee to meet in Lebanon

Ceasefire monitoring committee, which includes Lebanon, Israel, the US, France, and the UN peacekeeping force, to meet in Naqoura, Lebanon, as part of ongoing efforts to implement and monitor the ceasefire agreement, with a focus on border security and preventing Hezbollah rearmament, according to media reports.

Situation in Sudan’s Kordofan amid growing waves of displacement

Field and humanitarian developments amid continued displacement from Sudan’s Kordofan due to worsening living conditions as fighting intensifies between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

Developments surrounding Yemen’s southern issue

Latest updates on Yemen’s southern issue as Head of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) Aidarous al-Zubaidi was set to visit Saudi Arabia as the kingdom continues efforts to launch dialogue among Yemeni parties in the south.

Lebanese president to visit Greek Cypriot Administration

Lebanese President Joeseph Aoun to visit Greek Cypriot Administration on Wednesday morning for a one-day visit to hold official talks with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides.

Following European reactions to US strikes on Venezuela

Monitoring statements from European countries on US strikes on Venezuela and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The US strikes have drawn mixed reactions from European governments which cite international law over the strikes.

Greenland-related political developments

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.

EU agricultural ministers to meet in Brussels

EU agriculture ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the future of farming and food security in Europe and to outline the main expectations for EU action in 2026. The meeting will take stock of the farming and food situation in the EU, as well as provide an opportunity for joint reflection on the key concerns raised recently by farmers, particularly as the Mercosur trade deal is close to being signed.

Turkish President to receive Malaysian premier

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to welcome Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with an official ceremony, after which he will hold a meeting with him.

Erdogan to also take part in the First Meeting of the Türkiye-Malaysia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and the Signing Ceremony of Agreements. He will also hold a joint press conference with Ibrahim.

Erdogan, who is also the chairman of the Justice and Development Party, will attend his party’s parliamentary group meeting at the Grand National Assembly.

Trump administration to brief Congress on Venezuela operation

Members of the US House of Representatives will receive a briefing on Saturday's military operation in Venezuela that captured the country's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Briefers include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine.

Senators may also receive a separate briefing.

Trump to sign executive orders

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign multiple executive orders. Details on their content have not been disclosed.

Military developments in Russia-Ukraine war

Military developments to be followed amid continued hostilities between Russia and Ukraine as both sides reported ongoing air, missile and drone activity since the start of the year. Fighting along the front lines and aerial engagements remain ongoing, with both sides issuing claims regarding interceptions, damage and losses.

China’s Foreign Ministry holds news conference

Chinese Foreign Ministry holds regular news conference in Beijing. The spokesperson is expected to comment on regional and international developments, including developments following Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s capture by the US.

THE ECONOMY

Germany’s unemployment

Germany’s Destatis will share unemployment data for December. It was at 6.3% in November.

Eurozone inflation

Eurostat will share consumer prices index data for December. It was at 2.1% in November.

US’ factory orders, house prices

US will share factory orders for October and house prices index for December.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - Global energy giants gunning for Venezuela’s resources

Explainer on the state of Venezuela’s oil and gas sector as questions grow over the return of international energy giants after the US intervention and capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

The story presents an overview of all the major energy firms that are either currently or have previously been involved in Venezuela, such as US giants Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, along with other international firms such as Spain’s Repsol, Italy’s Eni and France’s Maurel & Prom and TotalEnergies.

The report also details prospects for a return by global oil and gas firms in the wake of regime change, while also examining arbitration disputes, investor expectations, and the realities of degraded infrastructure, legal uncertainty and sanctions.

Nael al-Barghouti, longest-serving Palestinian political prisoner: ‘I taught prison what freedom is’

Interview with Nael al-Barghouti, the world’s longest-serving political prisoner, on how decades of incarceration by Israel shaped his understanding of freedom, resistance and Palestinian identity.

The piece traces Barghouti’s 45 years in Israeli prisons, where he became known as the “Dean of Palestinian Prisoners,” exploring how he transformed confinement into a space of intellectual leadership and moral resolve.

Drawing on his experiences across generations of Palestinian struggle, Barghouti reflects on key turning points from Oslo to Gaza, the evolution of resistance under siege, and the enduring belief that oppression cannot extinguish collective will. He also speaks personally about exile, homeland, loss and the message he offers younger Palestinians confronting despair.