Diary

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

Developments in Syria after Assad regime collapse

Latest developments and updates in Syria after the appointment of Mohamed Al-Bashir as head of the transitional government and his assumption of power following the overthrow of the Baathist regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he is worried about the current situation in Syria, hoping the transition in the country will unfold in a peaceful way.

France said it will send a diplomatic mission to Syria on Tuesday to assess the political and humanitarian situation.

For its part, the UN confirmed that its Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen is continuing his talks in Damascus. Pedersen's discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing situation in Syria and efforts for a peaceful political transition. He met the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Sharaa and discussed recent developments in the war-torn country.

Israeli actions following Assad's ouster in Syria

Israel’s reactions and steps in the aftermath of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria as it monitors unfolding developments in the neighboring country.

Israeli Army Radio on Monday said forces destroyed a large military warehouse in Tartus, western Syria, on Sunday night.

It claimed that the army destroyed most of the strategic military equipment belonging to the forces of the erstwhile regime.

In a separate development, Egypt and Jordan condemned Israel’s approval of expanding settlement activities in the Syrian Golan Heights.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Israel continues to wage unabated genocidal war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, defying calls by the international community to cease hostilities and alleviate dire conditions faced by millions under daily attacks and a crippling siege.

On Monday, four Palestinians were killed and 15 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a civilian gathering west of Gaza City.

In a separate incident, a Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in the southern city of Rafah.

A Palestinian grandfather, who grieved for his 3-year-old granddaughter killed in an Israeli airstrike last year, lost his life in an Israeli strike in the Nuseirat camp.

The overall death toll due to the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year crossed 45,000, with nearly 107,000 others injured, according to the enclave's Health Ministry.

Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip

The escalated Israeli siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip continue into its third month, exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicines and leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.

An Israeli warplane struck a home in the northern town of Beit Lahia, killing five people and injuring several others on Monday.

Gaza cease-fire talks

Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli media, citing high-level sources, reported on Monday “unprecedented progress” in indirect negotiations aimed at brokering a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed Israel “is closer than ever to an important deal since the previous one,” referring to the agreement that began on Nov. 24, 2023, and lasted seven days.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Day 21 of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.

On Monday, three people were injured in an Israeli drone strike that targeted the town of An-Najjariyah in Sidon district, southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of violations to at least 228.

These violations have resulted in the deaths of 30 people and injuries to 34 others, according to Lebanese authorities.

Qatar to reopen embassy in Damascus

Qatar will reopen its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus after more than 13 years of closure following the downfall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

The Foreign Ministry said Khalifa Abdullah al-Mahmoud al-Sharif was appointed as the country’s charge d'affaires.

Israeli prime minister's corruption trial

Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court Monday for his third testimony in a case focusing on corruption allegations.

A hearing scheduled for Tuesday is said to have been suspended.

West Bank raids

Almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, and illegal settler violence against Palestinians.

Israeli forces fired tear gas and sound bombs at school students in the village of Al-Khader in southern Bethlehem on Monday.

Israel has killed at least 812 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,100 taken into custody.

Red Sea tensions

Red Sea tensions and the exchange of attacks between Israel and the US-UK coalition from one side and the Yemen’s Houthi group from the other.

The Israeli army on Monday said it intercepted a drone and missile fired from Yemen.

Separately, the Houthi group reported a US-British airstrike on Hajjah province in northwestern Yemen.

EU Commission head meets Turkish president to discuss Syria

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will receive EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Presidential Complex in Ankara to discuss development in Syria

Biden administration on developments in Syria

Possible reactions from Biden administration regarding the developments in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime and formation of a caretaker government.

UN Security Council to discuss Syria

UN Security Council to meet for a briefing to discuss the political and humanitarian situations in Syria. Briefers include Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Thomas Fletcher.

UN chief's report on JCPOA

UN Security Council to meet for a briefing from Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo on the secretary-general’s report on the implementation of resolution 2231, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program in 2015.

US presidential election: Electoral College delegations meet to vote

Electors to meet in their respective states to officially cast the 538 electoral votes for president and vice president on separate ballots. Electors always meet on the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December.

Arrest warrant for former Bolivia President Morales

Prosecutors in Bolivia have issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales over allegations of human trafficking and abuse of a minor when he was head of state between 2006 and 2019.

European Parliament to discuss Syria

EU lawmakers to discuss the latest developments in Syria at a plenary debate in Strasbourg. The MEPs will assess the consequences of the Assad regime’s collapse, its geopolitical implications, and the humanitarian situation in the region. In a statement issued last week, leading MEPs welcomed “the end of Syria’s brutal dictatorship” and called for a peaceful transition that fulfils the democratic aspirations of Syrians ’democratic aspirations and ensures protection of all’.

Briefing on Assad regime's crimes in Syria

Robert Petit, the head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism Investigating Serious Crimes in Syria, will brief journalists in Geneva on “Opportunities and challenges for justice in Syria." He is expected to provide updates on ongoing investigations and discuss recent developments in the pursuit of justice for crimes committed during the Syrian conflict.

UN briefing

The UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva. Spokespersons of various UN agencies and international organizations meet reporters to evaluate most pressing issues around the world.

Estonia hosts defense co-operation summit in Tallinn

Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal will hold a press conference at the end of a two-day Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Summit, during which leaders from ten European countries discussed Ukraine support and strengthening deterrence against Russia. The JEF represents a military collaboration initiative led by the UK, bringing together 10 northern European nations.

Russia on developments in Syria

Moscow's reaction to ongoing developments in post-Assad regime Syria.

Bashar al-Assad and his family have sought asylum in Russia.

In his first statement since ouster, the former regime leader said he was evacuated to Russia from the Hmeimim base on Dec. 8 as it came under attack.

Moscow says the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority, and it has established contacts with the new authorities in Syria.

Russia's reaction to EU's adoption of 15th sanctions package

Russia expected to respond to the EU's adoption of its 15th package of sanctions. The new set of sanctions aim to further limit Russia’s "ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine."

Situation in Georgia after suspension of EU accession talks, presidential election

Georgia has been facing mounting political tensions after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Nov. 28 the suspension of his country's EU accession talks until 2028. The move has sparked major pro-EU protests across the country, including the capital Tbilisi, as well as international and regional criticism.

A college of electors voted ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as president on Saturday, but opposition parties assert Salome Zourabichvili, who was elected to the post back in 2018, is still the sole "legitimate representative of the state."

Mayotte, Mozambique, Madagascar to give updates on devastation caused by Cyclone Chido

Local authorities in France’s overseas Island of Mayotte are expected to update on the death toll and damage caused by cyclone Chido as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Officials said they fear the cyclone might leave nearly a thousand people dead. The powerful storm, which struck the Indian Ocean Island on Saturday, brought torrential rains and winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour. The storm has also left a spillover effect in Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros and Malawi. Officials in the affected countries also expected to give updates.

Clashes continue in eastern DR Congo amid failed peace talks in Angola

Renewed clashes expected to continue in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo days after peace talks expected to bring a cease-fire collapsed in the Angolan capital Luanda. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies. Rwanda insists DR Congo should hold direct talks with the M23 rebels instead of Rwanda.

South Korean President Yoon faces summons over martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing summons to over his short-lived martial law declaration. He was impeached by lawmakers last week.

The Constitutional Court will hold first hearing of impeachment review on Dec. 27. Yoon has, so far, refused to answer the summons and can be arrested if he continues defying the prosecutor’s notices.

Indonesia extradites Filipino prisoner

Indonesia extradites Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino woman who was sentenced to death for drug trafficking, to her home country the Philippines.

Veloso, a former domestic helper was arrested in 2010 after being found with 2.6 kilograms (5.73 pounds) of heroin concealed in a suitcase. She was granted a last-minute reprieve from execution in 2015 after the late former President Benigno Aquino III appealed to Jakarta, arguing she could be a witness in prosecuting drug syndicates.

Foreign Ministry in Beijing to hold regular briefing

Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold regular news briefing in Beijing.

Search and rescue efforts after 7.3 magnitude tremor jolts Vanuatu

Search and rescue efforts continue in the southern Pacific nation of Vanuatu after a strong earthquake of 7.3 magnitude. At least one person was killed, while communications and power lines have been effected.

THE ECONOMY

UK unemployment rate

National Statistical Office to announce UK unemployment rate in October.

The UK jobless rate rose to 4.3% from July to September, up from 4% in the prior 3-month period and exceeding expectations.

US retail sales

US Commerce Department to release retail sales for November.

In October, US retail sales rose more than market forecast by 0.4%, suggesting that consumer demand remains high in the world's largest economy. Market estimates a 0.6% hike in November figure.

SPORTS

Round 16 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Monaco vs. Bayern Munich

Paris Basket vs. Real Madrid

Barcelona vs. Fenerbahce Beko

SPECIAL REPORTS

South Korea’s political crisis: Will stability remain elusive?

Report on future expectations for South Korea’s political landscape, following the crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law.

The story draws a picture of where things stand right now politically in South Korea, and lays out the various scenarios that could play out over the coming days, including expectations for the Constitutional Court’s decision on Yoon’s impeachment, its fallout, and the consequent path toward elections.

The report includes interviews with Cho Hee-kyoung, an academic at Hongik University in Seoul, and Hyun Woong Hong, a visiting scholar at Bogazici University in Istanbul.

‘Are they going to shoot me for speaking up?’: Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham on pro-Palestine stand

Interview with Liam Cunningham, an Irish actor best known for his role in Game of Thrones, focusing on his pro-Palestine activism and outspoken stance against Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Cunningham talks about his motivations and emphasizes the moral obligation to stand up for Palestinians, urging an end to impunity for Israel and calling on all who remain silent to speak up against Israel’s atrocities.

He offers a scathing critique of how Western governments and mainstream media have enabled Israel’s genocide, while also emphasizing the need to continue global efforts for justice and accountability.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interviews with Seoul-based academic Cho Hee-kyoung and Hyun Woong Hong, a visiting scholar at Bogazici University in Istanbul, about South Korea’s political crisis and their expectations for major developments over the coming days.

VIDEO – Interview with Irish actor Liam Cunningham about his pro-Palestine activism and stand against Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, where he shares insights into his personal motivations and criticizes the international community for failing to protect Palestinians.