Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Developments after Syria–SDF ‘mutual understanding’ on Hasakah
Repercussions and reactions following the Syrian government’s announcement of a “mutual understanding” with the SDF on the future of the Hasakah province, giving the group four days to consult on a detailed integration plan.
Humanitarian plight in Gaza 100 days after ceasefire
Humanitarian plight in the Gaza Strip 100 days after a ceasefire began, amid the ongoing impact of Israeli military actions and restrictions, marked by destruction, shortages, displacement, and severe strain on the health care system.
Trump due at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
After a delay over aircraft, US President Donald Trump is set to visit Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum. Trump is expected to deliver remarks at the event, followed by talks with other leaders on the event’s sidelines, including on the US’ controversial push to acquire Greenland. He will also attend a reception with business leaders.
UN Security Council to be briefed on Haiti
The UN Security Council is expected to hold a regular briefing on the situation in Haiti. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, is expected to brief the council on recent developments there and on the secretary-general’s latest report.
World Economic Forum
Annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, through Saturday, bringing together global political and business leaders for high-level discussions on the global economy, security, and geopolitics. US President Donald Trump is expected to attend.
Greenland-related political developments
Monitoring statements from European countries on Greenland issue amid US President Donald Trump’s continued insistence that the US must acquire the island. He argues that controlling the Danish territory would protect broader Western interests, including the EU, while critics say his aggressive push to take the territory is weakening the long-standing Western alliance.
The EU and European countries also reaffirmed Greenland’s sovereignty as an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Turkish president to lead party meeting
Turkish President and Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan to lead his party's parliamentary group meeting in the capital Ankara.
Türkiye-South Korea diplomatic meeting
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to meet with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun, who is visiting Türkiye.
Palestinian president to visit Moscow
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to start 2-day visit to Moscow. According to the Kremlin, Abbas to meet on Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin to hold meeting with government
Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold videoconference meeting with members of the government. According to a Kremlin statement, event is to focus on issues raised by citizens during an annual event with Putin in December. The conflict in Ukraine was among topics discussed.
German foreign minister to start East Africa visit
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to East African countries, including Kenya and Ethiopia.
Court gives life sentence to assassin of ex-Japanese Premier Abe
Following news and related developments after the assassin of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo got a life sentence on Thursday.
THE ECONOMY
UK inflation
UK to release monthly inflation data for December. In November, annual inflation eased to 3.2%.
SPECIAL REPORTS
REVIEW - A year into Trump’s second term: Pledges to end wars
Report examining US President Donald Trump’s first year back in office, assessing his high-profile promises to end major wars and defuse long-running conflicts, and how outcomes have varied across global flashpoints from Ukraine to Gaza.
Report outlines Trump’s efforts to force negotiations through deadlines, tariff threats, and personal diplomacy, including US-facilitated Russia-Ukraine talks hosted in Türkiye, renewed ceasefire frameworks in Gaza, and interventions linked to crises involving Iran, South Asia, and parts of Africa.
Story evaluates Trump’s claims of peace breakthroughs against continued instability on the ground, as several agreements remain fragile or unresolved, leaving a mixed record one year into his second term.
How tariffs, protectionism, and tech rivalry shaped Trump 2.0’s first economic year
Report examining US economic performance during first year of Donald Trump’s second term, marked by a more protectionist and politically charged economic strategy centered on aggressive tariff policies, deregulation messaging, and intensifying technological competition.
Report breaks down key macroeconomic indicators, including GDP growth, unemployment, and inflation, and assesses Trump’s pressure on the Federal Reserve over monetary policy.
Story also traces how sweeping tariff measures reshaped trade flows, fueled market volatility, and triggered legal scrutiny, while major investments in AI and semiconductors emerged as key drivers of growth amid deepening US-China technological rivalry.
EXPLAINER - Chagos Islands deal: New strains in US-UK relations?
Report examining rising tensions between the US and UK following President Donald Trump’s criticism of UK deal to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Report outlines the terms of the agreement signed last May, under which Britain transfers sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while securing continued UK-US access to the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base for the next 99 years. It also reviews London’s response, with British officials stressing that national security interests will not be compromised.
Story explores whether the agreement signals a new strain in US-UK relations amid broader transatlantic tensions, and examines the strategic importance of the islands, particularly the role of the Diego Garcia base in regional and global security.
