Diary
ANKARA
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, March 27, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
US-Israeli offensive on Iran and regional fallout
Covering developments in the US-Israeli war against Iran and its regional spillover, including ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Middle East and growing risks of multi-front escalation. Also covering rising regional tensions amid disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, threats to global energy supplies, and mounting economic pressure from higher oil prices and instability in international markets.
Israeli occupiers’ attacks in the occupied West Bank
Covering the surge in attacks by Israeli occupiers across the occupied West Bank, targeting Palestinian residents and their property, forcing many families to flee their homes.
Trump to address farmers, future investment forum
US President Donald Trump is set to deliver remarks to farmers from the South Lawn of the White House before addressing the Future Investment Initiative in Miami, Florida. The desk will monitor for any remarks relevant to the US-Israeli war on Iran after Trump extended his deadline for attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure.
House to hold hearing on Latin America following Venezuelan president’s capture
The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will hold a hearing with Michael Kozak, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, US Department of State.
Bolsonaro expected to be released from hospital to house arrest
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is expected to be released from the hospital to house arrest. He was granted a 90-day recovery period before returning to prison, where he is serving a 27-year sentence for his involvement in a post-election coup plot. Bolsonaro, who has faced a number of health issues since being stabbed in 2018, was most recently admitted to the hospital on March 13 for pneumonia.
Zelenskyy to hold talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to hold several meetings in Saudi Arabia. The counterparts for the meetings, which will take place in Riyadh, have not been named. Zelenskyy previously said many Middle Eastern countries asked Ukraine to share its experience in countering drone attacks. He also said he plans to discuss security guarantees.
Russia-Ukraine and US-Israel-Iran conflicts
Covering developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the US-Israeli confrontation with Iran, monitoring reactions from Moscow, Kyiv, and Eurasian capitals via official statements and media reports.
Erdogan to attend WEF Türkiye strategy meeting
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Türkiye Country Strategy Meeting in Istanbul.
Nepalese lawmakers elect Balen Shah as new prime minister
Newly elected Nepalese lawmakers have chosen Balen Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party as the country's new prime minister. Shah, 35, is the former mayor of the capital Kathmandu. His party won a landslide in elections held for the first time since the previous government was ousted last September.
Developments as US, Iran exchange messages via Pakistan
Monitoring statements and developments as the US and Iran exchange messages through Pakistan, according to Islamabad. Pakistani sources told Anadolu that a US delegation is expected in Islamabad, but Tehran remains cautious due to mistrust of Washington. The head of the UN's nuclear agency has indicated talks will be held in Islamabad.
China's Boao Forum closes
A joint statement is expected as China's Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 wraps up in the southern island province of Hainan. The forum brought together hundreds of officials, politicians, and experts. It projects 4.5% annual growth in Asia this year.
THE ECONOMY
UK retail sales
The UK is set to release retail sales data for February. Sales rose 4.5% in January, and a similar figure is expected for February.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW - EU Middle East policy shows ‘bankruptcy of European politics,’ MEP says
Interview with Rudi Kennes, a Belgian Member of the European Parliament (MEP), on the EU’s response to the US-Israel war with Iran and the bloc’s broader Middle East policy.
The story lays out Kennes’ criticism that the EU is failing to act independently, instead aligning too closely with US and Israeli decisions, which he argues reflects a lack of leadership and strategic autonomy. He warns that this approach risks undermining Europe’s credibility and global influence.
Kennes calls for a more values-driven foreign policy and stronger action to prevent further escalation, as he describes current European diplomacy as a “bankruptcy of European politics.”
Iran war threatens Bangladesh’s garment engine as costs surge
Report examining how the Iran war and Middle East disruptions are straining Bangladesh’s billion-dollar garment sector, the backbone of its export economy.
The story explores how rising shipping costs, rerouted trade routes and energy price spikes are hitting manufacturers already facing declining demand, squeezing margins in an industry that employs millions and drives the majority of export earnings.
The report also analyzes broader economic risks and features insights from industry leaders and economists, including Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the economic and planning adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
