Diary
ANKARA
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Reactions to US-Iran talks
More regional reactions to the outcome of the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran in Geneva, which took place on Thursday. These talks are mediated by Oman and focus on Tehran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief. This round follows earlier talks in Muscat and Geneva in February and is widely seen as a last major diplomatic opportunity to avert escalation.
European reactions to US-Ukraine talks in Geneva
Following European leaders’ reactions to the latest round of US-Ukraine talks in Geneva after last week’s trilateral negotiations involving Russia. The negotiations were held between Ukraine’s delegation, led by chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, and the US delegation, which included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Talks focused on economic support, recovery efforts, preparations for the next round with Russia, and possible prisoner exchanges.
European reactions to US-Iran talks in Geneva
Following European leaders’ reactions to the latest round of indirect US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. The negotiations mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi brought together Iran’s delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the US team headed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Discussions focused on nuclear-related issues and sanctions relief.
German transit strikes to affect major cities
Ver.di union launches nationwide warning strikes affecting buses and subways in dozens of German cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. The walkouts will continue through the weekend in most regions as wage negotiations remain stalled.
UN briefing
UN Information Service holds a biweekly press briefing.
Trump to visit port in Texas
US President Donald Trump will receive a briefing and deliver remarks at the Port of Corpus Christi, Texas, a major gateway for US energy exports. Trump’s address is expected to focus on energy. He will also participate in a local TV interview. He will later move on to his South Florida estate of Mar-a-Lago, where he will spend the weekend.
UN chief to address General Assembly on migration
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to deliver remarks at an informal meeting of the General Assembly plenary on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
Deadly clash between Cuban patrol, US-registered speedboat
Monitoring developments after Cuba said its forces fatally shot four people attempting to “infiltrate” its territorial waters on a US-registered speedboat. The incident triggered an investigation led by authorities in the US state of Florida. Havana has said it is in contact with US authorities on the matter.
Developments following US talks with Russia, Ukraine in Geneva
Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv will be followed as US envoys hold bilateral talks with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Geneva. Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov announced the start of talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on Thursday. A meeting between the US officials and Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev is also expected.
Kazakh, Serbian presidents to meet in Astana
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to meet in Kazakhstan's capital Astana. The talks are expected to address the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Serbian relations, with a focus on expanding trade and economic cooperation, among other issues.
Canadian Premier Carney meets Indian business leaders in Mumbai
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on his maiden official visit to India, meets business leaders in the financial hub of Mumbai, from where he will fly to New Delhi for high-level meetings. Carney is on 4-day trip to South Asian nation.
Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions
Monitoring developments amid fresh cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have left 11 dead, including one civilian.
THE ECONOMY
German GDP
Germany’s Destatis will share GDP figures for the last quarter of 2025. It posted a slight decline in the third quarter.
SPECIAL REPORTS
US states mount legal offensive against federal immigration crackdown
Report examining a growing wave of state-led lawsuits against federal immigration enforcement operations, as Democratic-led states seek to curb what they describe as unconstitutional and militarized actions within their jurisdictions.
The story explores legal challenges spearheaded by Minnesota, Illinois and California targeting ICE and the Department of Homeland Security over large-scale enforcement surges, alleged racial profiling, excessive force and violations of states’ rights. It also lays out how courts have delivered mixed rulings, granting limited protections such as access to legal counsel while allowing operations to continue.
The report features insights from John Boehler, a representative for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, and Migration Policy Institute analyst Kathleen Bush-Joseph on the widening constitutional clash over immigration enforcement, federal authority and civil rights.
High Seas Treaty: How new global pact could redefine ocean conservation
Report examining the entry into force of the UN-backed High Seas Treaty and its significance for protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The story explains how the agreement establishes the first legally binding framework to conserve and sustainably use marine life in the high seas, covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. It explains the treaty’s main pillars and objectives, including protecting ecosystem and biodiversity.
The report includes insights from Amy Swift of the World Resources Institute, Jack O’Connor of the UN University Institute for Environment and Human Security, and Lisa Levin of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who highlight the treaty’s role in conservation and climate mitigation, while warning that implementation, jurisdictional disputes, funding and political commitment will determine its real-world impact.
Pakistan’s AI ambitions: Opportunity or overreach?
Report examining Pakistan’s plan to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030 and build a national AI ecosystem to boost economic growth and global competitiveness.
The story explores Islamabad’s National AI Policy, which aims to train 1 million AI professionals, fund innovation, expand AI use across sectors such as agriculture, health care, finance and governance, and position Pakistan within the global digital economy. It also assesses implementation challenges, including infrastructure gaps, data governance, funding constraints and policy continuity.
The report includes insights from industry leaders and experts such as Sajjad Syed of the Pakistan Software Houses Association, IT specialist Khushnood Aftab and telecom consultant Pervez Iftikhar on infrastructure needs, policy execution and economic potential.
