Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

MIDDLE EAST

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has killed more than 38,700 Palestinians and injured many more since Oct. 7, 2023. Situation continues to worsen by the day amid attacks and minimal aid trickling in.

At least 40 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured on Tuesday in Israeli attacks targeting displaced people in the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza’s media office.

A total of five schools affiliated with the UN and its agencies have been hit by Israeli bombs in Gaza in the last 10 days, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Tuesday.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

Unfolding developments in the Gaza Strip regarding a potential cease-fire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas. The Israeli Settlements and National Projects Minister Orit Strock threatens to bring down the government if the army withdraws from the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu had previously announced that Israel would remain in the Philadelphi Corridor, considering it a precondition for any potential agreement with Hamas.

No new official statement has yet been issued by the mediators regarding the course of the talks, which resumed last week with security meetings in Cairo and Doha.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 574 people and injured 5,350 more, with nearly 9,700 taken into Israeli custody since last October.

Protests against Israeli government

Mounting protests in Israel to pressure Netanyahu's government to either negotiate a hostage-prisoner swap deal with Palestinian group Hamas, or resign.

Israeli protesters on Tuesday blocked the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv and raised photos of the Israeli captives in Gaza, demanding a prisoner swap and a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

Continued border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah amid fears of a full-blown war.

At least two people were injured on Tuesday when an Israeli drone struck a motorcycle in the town of Arnoun in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese agency.

Red Sea tension

Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links with Israel in the Red Sea, as well as US-led coalition airstrikes on the group's positions in Yemen.

Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

Sudan's humanitarian and security situation is deteriorating as clashes between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue in various parts of the country.

More than 10 million Sudanese, or 20% of the population, have been driven from their homes since the war there began, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.

US

Joe Biden's speech at UnidosUS conference

President Joe Biden to deliver remarks at the UnidosUS Annual Conference, which aims to promote the economic, political, and social advancement of Latinos, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Biden will later participate in a campaign community event.

Antony Blinken's talks

Secretary of State Antony Blinken to host Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity foreign ministers' meeting at State Department. Blinken will later hold separate meetings with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo Andre, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Vasquez and Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Barcena.

Republican National Convention

Republican gathering continues on third day, focus of which is expected to be foreign policy under the theme 'Make America Strong Once Again'. JD Vance, Trump's pick for vice president, is expected to deliver a speech.

UN Security Council debate on Middle East

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to chair ministerial-level open UN Security Council debate on the Middle East. UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland will brief members.

EUROPE

European Parliament to continue first plenary since elections

The 720 Members of European Parliament (MEPs) to meet for their first plenary following June 6-9 elections, with members sworn in for five-year term.

Strikes at Paris airports

Trade unions call for strikes at Paris airports, demanding bonus as well as 1,000 new recruitments so that staff can take appropriate leaves during the Olympic Games.

UK Parliament and king's speech

King Charles III formally opens a new Parliamentary session and previews his government's forthcoming legislation. The king’s speech is expected to contain at least 30 legislations planned by the Labour government.

UK, Ireland premiers meet in London

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to host Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris for talks ahead of the European Political Community summit.

EURASIA

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to chair UN Security Council meeting on Middle East

Top Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov to chair open ministerial-level debates in the UN Security Council in New York on the situation in the Middle East, including the situation in the Gaza Strip.

AFRICA

Anti-government protests continue in Kenya

Protests calling for government accountability, condemning killings of protesters during the recent anti-tax hike demonstrations are expected to continue in the east African nation, as President William Ruto gears up to announce his new Cabinet.

Former South African president’s disciplinary hearing begins

The African National Congress Party (ANC) is expected to start conducting a disciplinary hearing of its former President Jacob Zuma who formed and campaigned for a rival political party, the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in the May 29 elections. Zuma who leads the MK Party says he is still a member of the party, though he was suspended from it 6 months ago.

Rights groups appeal against jail terms handed to former lawmakers in Eswatini

Rights groups and political activists in Eswatini in Southern Africa to appeal to the government to lift the conviction and lengthy jail terms handed over to two pro-democracy lawmakers sentenced to 25 and 18 years respectively. They are charged with terrorism and murder related to the 2021 protests.

Turkish officials’ visit to Niger

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to pay an official visit to Niger along with National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, head of the National Intelligence Organization Ibrahim Kalin, Secretary of Defense Industries Haluk Gorgun, and Deputy Trade Minister Ozgur Volkan Agar.

During meetings, bilateral relations as well as current regional and international developments will be discussed.

ASIA – PACIFIC

Bangladesh shuts educational institutions after 6 dead amid violence over job reforms

Streets and campuses in Dhaka and other parts of the country have become battlefields as students face counter protests of pro-ruling student activists which claimed 6 lives. Tens of hundreds of students are seeking reforms in public job sector in Bangladesh that reserves 56% seats for certain demographics and classes.

Japanese foreign minister visits Bosnia and Herzegovina

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday

Leaders of Japan, Pacific Island nations meet in Tokyo

Leaders of Japan and Pacific Island nations are meeting in Tokyo for 10th such sitting. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to announce more than 60 billion yen ($380 million) in development aid to the 18-member grouping over the next three years.

Floods wreak havoc in Afghanistan

Floods have left a trail of death and destruction in eastern Nangarhar province in Afghanistan with more than 45 people dead. Severe storm, hail and heavy rainfall in recent days caused deaths and injuries. The death toll is expected to rise.

Uncertain times persist in Pakistani politics

Pakistani politics is witnessing persistent uncertain times with government changing minds on whether or not to ban opposition Tehreek-e-Insaf party which was restored in the Parliament as largest group by Supreme Court. While government is reluctant to show leniency towards its leader and ex-Premier Imran Khan, the suspected militant attacks have seen steep rise with 28 people dead in past 2 days.

Korean Peninsula battles balloons of trash, leaflet propaganda

The divided Koreas are engaged in sending trash balloons across the demilitarized zone with Pyongyang warning Seoul of ‘gruesome’ consequences for sending propaganda leaflets towards North. It comes as a North Korean diplomat posted to Cuba defected to South, adding to more tensions.

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference

Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing. The spokesperson is expected to respond to questions about ongoing 3rd plenary of Chinese Communist Party, US elections, and trade war among other issues.

THE ECONOMY

Eurozone inflation

Eurostat to share inflation figures for June. Eurozone inflation rate has been posting mixed figures in recent period. In May, rate was at 2.6% and market expectation was at 2.5% for June.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Doha talks: Will the US engage further with the Taliban?

By Rabia Ali

Istanbul – Report on the possibility of a shift in US policy with regards to the Taliban, particularly in the context of the recent UN-led talks in Doha.

The story gives details of the key outcomes of the negotiations and an assessment of their overall impact in increasing global engagement with the Taliban.

It focuses particularly on the US view on the issue, exploring the question of whether Washington could move forward with steps to increase engagement.

The report includes interviews with Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the US-based Wilson Center, and Andrew Watkins, a senior expert on Afghanistan at the US Institute of Peace.

Deutsche Bank sees strong disinflation, rebalancing of economy without recession in Türkiye

By Nuran Erkul

London — Interview with Hans-Christian Wietoska, head of Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Research at Deutsche Bank, about the positive trajectory of the Turkish economy.

He paints an optimistic picture for Türkiye, saying strong disinflation is expected to continue over the coming months, along with a rebalancing of the economy without a hard landing.

The report also includes recent data on Türkiye’s key economic indicators from various global institutions, including Deutsche Bank, the International Monetary Fund and Fitch Ratings.

Climate change in Russia: What are the main effects and challenges?

By Elena Teslova

Moscow – Report about climate change and its impact in Russia.

The story uses comparative data to illustrate the various effects being seen in Russia, including rising temperatures, which experts say is almost twice as fast as the land surface on Earth as a whole.

It also delves into other consequences such as melting permafrost, more heat waves, threats of diseases, and impact on agriculture.

The report includes an interview with Sergey Semenov, scientific director of the Institute of Global Climate and Ecology.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, about the possibility of a shift in US policy on Afghanistan and the Taliban, particularly the question of increased engagement after the recent UN-led talks in Doha.