Diary

ANKARA

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Developments in Syria

The third day of a four-day truce and “mutual understanding” between the Syrian government and the terrorist organization YPG/SDF regarding the future of the Hasakah province, including administrative and political integration mechanisms, as the organization violated the truce on its first day by targeting civilians and military personnel in the province, killing many.

Lebanese premier's visit to France

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s visit to the French capital Paris, where he will meet with President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the ceasefire, as Lebanese authorities launch the second phase of the plan to monopolize weapons, according to Lebanese media, which did not specify the trip's duration.

German-Italian government consultations in Rome

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Cabinet members will travel to Rome on Jan. 23 for bilateral government consultations. The meeting, co-chaired by Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, will focus on bilateral relations, European and economic policy, and security and defense cooperation.

Greenland-related political developments

Statements from European countries on 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.

Developments amid ongoing US-mediated peace consultations on Russia-Ukraine war

A trilateral meeting between the US, Russia, and Ukraine will be held in the UAE, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The parties are expected to discuss a draft of a peace agreement aimed at ending the war.

Trump to take part in interview, sign legislation, hold policy talks

US President Trump will grant a print interview at the White House, later expected to sign unspecified congressional bills. He will later take part in deliberations on policy. All events are currently scheduled to take place behind closed doors.

UN Security Council to hold briefing on Colombia

The UN Security Council will hold a regular briefing on Colombia. Miroslav Jenca, special representative and head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, will brief on recent developments and UN chief Antonio Guterres’ latest 90-day report on the mission.

Japanese premier dissolves parliament for snap polls

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolves the lower house of the parliament for snap general elections, set for Feb. 8.

Aftermath of landslide in New Zealand

Developments as many remain missing in New Zealand after a landslide hit a campsite, with two fatalities confirmed so far.​​​​​​​

British retail sales

The UK to release monthly retail trade data for December. In November, retail sales fell 0.2% on a monthly basis.

SPECIAL REPORTS

FACTBOX - Who’s in and who’s out of Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

Report detailing which countries have accepted, rejected, or remain undecided on US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” launched at the Davos forum.

The story outlines the initiative’s political scope, its adoption under the UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and the differing international responses, with several countries from the Middle East, Asia, and beyond confirming participation, while a number of European states raise legal and institutional concerns.

The factbox presents a country-by-country breakdown of states that have joined the board, those reviewing invitations, and those rejecting participation, highlighting divisions among US allies and within NATO over the framework’s compatibility with existing UN mechanisms.

Switzerland questions UEFA’s tax-exempt status over Israel-linked concerns

Report examining growing political scrutiny in Switzerland over the tax-exempt status of international sports federations, sparked by calls for UEFA to lose its preferential treatment over its continued recognition of Israeli clubs based in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The story looks at a federal parliamentary intervention challenging what critics describe as selective sanctions by football governing bodies, contrasting UEFA’s treatment of Russia and Israel, while also examining the legal and political framework governing tax exemptions, the conditions tied to promoting peace and public interest, and how realistic revocation would be under Swiss law.

The report features comments from Swiss parliamentarian Raphael Mahaim of the Green Party and Ashish Prashar, a former adviser to a Middle East peace envoy and campaign director of the Game Over Israel campaign, and considers the broader implications for Switzerland’s role as a host state for international sports organizations.

Why gold and silver prices are racing ahead of forecasts in 2026

Report examining the sharp rally in gold and silver prices at the start of 2026, as both precious metals push to record levels following strong gains last year and outpace many bank forecasts.

The story explores why investment banks and analysts are struggling to keep up with price movements, with several end-2026 predictions already met or exceeded, amid geopolitical tensions, Fed rate expectations, central bank buying, and strong industrial demand.

The report features comments from Philip Newman of Metals Focus, Joe Cavatoni of the World Gold Council, and Ewa Manthey of ING Bank on the drivers behind gold’s resilience, silver’s outperformance, market volatility, and the role of China’s rising precious metal demand.