Diary

ISTANBUL

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing or breaking stories):

Ramadan begins across parts of Arab world as others mark 2nd day

Scenes marking the start of the holy month across several Arab countries, with first-day observances in some states and second-day scenes in others, reflecting varied moon-sighting calendars across the region.

Reactions to Israel’s restrictions on Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa during Ramadan

Regional and international reactions to Israel’s decision to restrict Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan, limiting attendance to 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank subject to prior security permits.

Reactions to Board of Peace meeting on Gaza reconstruction

Regional reactions to the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, formed by US President Donald Trump, convening in Washington Thursday to discuss Gaza reconstruction.

Sudan report

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan will launch its report in Geneva, which will later be presented at the Human Rights Council’s 61st session.

EU Council chief travels to Norway

European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Oslo, Norway, where he will meet Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, followed by a press point.

Germany marks Hanau racist attack anniversary

Germany will commemorate the sixth anniversary of the racist attack in Hanau on February 19, when a 43-year-old German right-wing extremist shot and killed nine people before taking his own life and his mother's. Memorial events include silent wreath-laying ceremonies in Hanau and commemorations at other locations across Germany.

Inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington

US President Donald Trump will convene the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC, focusing on reconstruction and international stabilization efforts in Gaza. Dozens of nations are expected to attend, including Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, along with the board’s executive council.

US secretary of state to meet Vietnamese, Indonesian counterparts

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung at the Department of State, followed by a separate meeting with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono.

UN Security Council to hold Sudan briefing

The UN Security Council will hold an open briefing on Sudan, expected to be attended at the ministerial level and chaired by the UK, the penholder on Sudan and Council president for February. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and Director of the Crisis Response Division at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Edem Wosornu are expected to brief.

Minimum wage demonstration in Colombia

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called on citizens to mobilize in public squares in defense of his minimum living wage decree after the Council of State provisionally suspended a 23.7 percent wage hike ordered in December.

Trump to deliver economic remarks in Georgia

US President Donald Trump is due to visit the city of Rome, Georgia, where he will deliver a speech on the economy and tour a local business and factory.

Putin to meet president of Madagascar in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Moscow with President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina, who will be in Russia on an official visit. According to the Kremlin, discussions will focus on prospects for Russia-Madagascar economic cooperation.

Reactions to US-mediated Geneva talks between Russia and Ukraine

Reactions from Moscow and Kyiv will be followed after Russia and Ukraine concluded another round of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland. The delegations are expected to present reports to their respective presidents, who will decide on further steps.

Russia-Iran naval drill

Russian-Iranian naval exercises will be held in the Gulf of Oman and the northern waters of the Indian Ocean. Moscow and Tehran will conduct joint drills to counter maritime security threats, focusing on protecting merchant ships and oil tankers, as well as combating maritime terrorism.

South Korea holds sentencing trial of ousted president Yoon

A South Korean court will hold the sentencing trial for ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed imposition of martial law in December 2024. For insurrection charges, prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for Yoon.

Indian premier addresses AI summit

Indian Premier Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Over 100 government representatives as well as more than 500 global AI leaders, including CEOs and founders, are attending the week-long summit.

THE ECONOMY

US jobless claims

The US will release initial weekly jobless claims figures. Latest data showed 227,000 claims, and a slight increase is expected for the last week.

US foreign trade

The US will announce foreign trade figures for December 2025. The country’s foreign trade balance posted a gap of $56.8 billion in November 2025.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ debuts: Who’s attending and what’s on the agenda?

Report on the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace set to be held in Washington on Thursday.

The story explains who is joining and who is keeping their distance, as Middle Eastern partners, Türkiye, Gulf states and several Global South countries sign on, while major European powers decline membership and the EU attends only as an observer.

The report will also detail the meeting’s agenda, which is expected to center on reconstruction, security and governance in Gaza, and present an overview of what is at stake politically, financially and strategically.

Berlin lights town hall for Ramadan in show of respect and inclusion

Report on the Ramadan illumination initiative in Berlin’s Mitte district, as a symbol of recognition, diversity and intercultural dialogue in one of Germany’s most multicultural areas.

The story highlights how the Tiergarten town hall displays a “Ramadan Kareem” message and how the district plans public iftar events to foster everyday cultural exchange. It also examines the broader social context, including support for expanding similar displays across public spaces, as well as criticism from far-right groups who oppose such gestures.

The report includes comments from district Mayor Stefanie Remlinger on how public recognition of religious traditions can bridge cultures and facilitate intercultural exchange at a time of growing polarization in German society.

Why Nepal wants to keep inexperienced climbers off Everest

Report on Nepal’s push to regulate Mount Everest expeditions by restricting permits for climbers without high-altitude experience.

The story traces mounting pressure on Kathmandu to improve safety on the world’s highest peak, exploring how inexperienced climbers have endangered themselves and Sherpa guides, with past rescues and fatalities highlighting the risks of poorly managed expeditions.

The report presents findings of a parliamentary study team that recommended barring climbers lacking experience and explains the
legislative timeline, industry reaction and broader reforms, with comments from Sherpa guides and officials such as Himal Gautam from Nepal’s Tourism Department.