Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, February 9, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Syrian government-SDF deal implementation

The ongoing implementation of a “comprehensive deal” between the Syrian government and the terrorist organization YPG/SDF in Hasakah province, which includes phased integration and handing over areas under SDF to the state.

Reactions to Israel’s decision to expand settlements in West Bank

More reactions to Israel’s Security Cabinet approval of a series of new measures affecting the occupied West Bank, including scrapping a law that bars the sale of Palestinian land to Jews, unsealing land registries, and expanding demolition and seizure powers to cover Palestinian property in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority.

Rafah crossing movements amid Israeli restrictions and ceasefire violations

More Palestinian patients are expected to cross into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing, while a small number of Palestinians are expected to return to the Gaza Strip after the crossing reopened on a heavily restricted basis on Monday amid continuing Israeli obstacles. This comes as the Israeli army continues to violate the ceasefire in the enclave, killing and injuring many Palestinians.

Trump to participate in TV interview

An undisclosed television channel will conduct an interview with US President Donald at the White House. It's unclear when his remarks will air. He will then convene a policy meeting in the Oval Office.

Munich Security Conference chairman to brief press

Wolfgang Ischinger holds a press conference about the upcoming international gathering. The 62nd Munich Security Conference will open on Feb. 14 with a speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Approximately 60 heads of state and government, along with dozens of foreign and defense ministers, are expected to attend the three-day event, which will focus on European security, transatlantic relations, Ukraine, and the Middle East.

Political developments in Europe after release of Epstein files

Statements and political developments are expected in European countries following the release of the latest documents relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The US Justice Department recently released more than 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images relating to Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by US President Donald Trump in November.

Political developments after resignation of UK premier's chief of staff

Political developments in the UK following Morgan McSweeney's resignation as chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, amid fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal, which is linked to the new Epstein files' revelations. It comes as the prime minister faces mounting pressure after admitting to knowing about the former minister's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Lavrov to address meeting of Valdai International Discussion Club

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to address a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Moscow. The session is themed "Continuity and Innovation: The Middle East Against the Backdrop of a Broken World Order." Lavrov is expected to deliver a speech and answer questions from attendees.

Mongolian parliament speaker to visit Moscow

Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, the speaker of the Mongolian parliament, will arrive in Moscow to begin a four-day visit to Russia. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet with the heads of both chambers of the Russian parliament, Valentina Matviyenko and Vyacheslav Volodin, as well as with Baktyzhan Sagintayev, chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission.

US vice president to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan

US Vice President JD Vance is set to visit the South Caucasus, with stops planned in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Over the course of a two-day visit, Vance is expected to hold meetings with senior officials in both countries.

Kenya to lead South Sudan peace talks amid escalating violence

Kenya launches a new push to end South Sudan's political stalemate with Tumaini Initiative talks, aiming to forge a national consensus charter and address unresolved issues from a 2018 peace deal within four weeks. The Kenyan-led effort, supported by regional blocs, comes as fighting between government forces and troops loyal to detained opposition leader Riek Machar escalates, raising fears of a return to civil war.

Political developments after general elections in Japan, Thailand

Monitoring developments after Japan and Thailand held general elections.

Hong Kong sentences media mogul Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong court sentences media mogul Jimmy Lai after his conviction in a national security trial. Lai, a Chinese-born British citizen, faces a maximum life sentence for "conspiring to collude with foreign forces" as well as sedition.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Munich Security Report warns Trump’s ‘wrecking-ball politics’ dismantling global order

Story on the annual Munich Security Conference (MSC) report, highlighting global security risks, geopolitical rivalries, and emerging defense challenges.

The article details the report’s findings, which describes US President Donald Trump’s approach as “bulldozer” or “wrecking-ball politics,” saying it threatens to replace rule-based cooperation with a world shaped by regional hegemons, private interests and transactional deals.

The story also highlights survey findings showing strong European anxiety about US policy, with majorities in Germany, France, Italy and the UK believing Trump’s actions will harm global stability.

As climate crisis grows, Nepal’s villages look to nature for answers

Report on how climate change-driven disasters in the Hindu Kush Himalayas are threatening livelihoods from Nepal’s highlands to the vast downstream populations that depend on the region’s rivers.

The story highlights how the situation is pushing vulnerable communities to adopt small, nature-based coping measures as drought and extreme weather intensify. It focuses on drought-stricken villages in eastern Nepal, where residents are installing rainwater harvesting systems, digging trenches, and building small ponds to capture rainfall and keep groundwater replenished.

The report also explains how Nepal is attempting to lower water levels in high-risk glacial lakes to prevent catastrophic floods, with comments from local residents, activists, scientists, and officials.