Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israeli approval to major settlement project dividing West Bank, isolating East Jerusalem

Reactions and developments on the Israeli approval of a highly contested settlement project, the so-called E1 project, that would divide the occupied West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem.

⁠Israeli preparations to call up reservist soldiers to fully occupy Gaza City

Israel’s response expected to the Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal in Gaza, which is accepted by the Palestinian group Hamas, while the Israeli army prepares to call up thousands of reservists to fight in Gaza City under an occupation plan used as a pressure tactic.

Rubio to host Canadian foreign minister

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand at the Department of State in Washington, DC.

UN Security Council to address situation in Syria and Libya

The UN Security Council will discuss the political and humanitarian situation in Syria during its morning session. In the afternoon, it will take up the situation in Libya, featuring a report by the secretary-general on the UN Support Mission in the North African country.

Heat waves, wildfires across southern Europe

Heat waves and forest fire-related developments across Europe, as the southern parts of the continent are still in the grip of extreme heat, with wildfires threatening tourist locations. More than 967,000 hectares burnt since the beginning of year, with at least 1,784 fires detected so far, according to the European Forest Fires Information System.

Russian, Indian foreign ministers to hold talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two ministers plan to discuss trade, economy, and energy cooperation in light of the US threats to impose tariffs against India for purchases of Russian oil.

Kazakh president to visit Kyrgyzstan

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to visit Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for talks with President Sadyr Japarov on bilateral cooperation.

UN chief to hold news conference in Japan on Africa's development

UN chief Antonio Guterres to hold a news conference in Japan to discuss Africa's development. African leaders and Guterres are in Japan attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Development, humanitarian issues, impact of climate change, and exploration of natural resources, particularly critical minerals, are expected to be discussed during the conference.

Chinese, Pakistani foreign ministers holding strategic dialogue in Islamabad

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar are co-chairing the 6th Pakistan-China strategic dialogue in Islamabad. Bilateral ties and regional issues, including cross-border tensions between Pakistan and India, along with extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into Afghanistan, are expected to be discussed.

THE ECONOMY

US initial jobless claims

The US to announce initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the claims were down by 3,000 to 224,000. The markets expect them to rise to 227,000 for last week. Figures related to employment in the country are important currently due to the Fed's possible rate cut in the September meeting.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Germany’s shift on Israel: Real change or performative acts?

Report exploring whether Germany’s recent signals of a tougher stance toward Israel mark a genuine policy change or remain largely symbolic.

The story explains the shifts in Germany’s traditionally strong support for Israel, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s decision to halt approval of new arms exports that could be used in Gaza. It highlights various reasons, such as growing domestic and global pressure, shifting public opinion, and increasing concerns of complicity charges in international courts.

The report features comments from Muriel Asseburg, senior foreign policy expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and former German Ambassador Martin Kobler.

Populism gains ground in Japan with Sanseito’s breakthrough

Report on the rise of the right-wing Sanseito party, which shocked Japan’s political establishment by winning a record number of seats in the recent upper house elections, becoming the country’s third-largest political force.

The story examines the reasons and potential repercussions of Sanseito’s popularity, which was driven by its “Japan First” agenda centered on anti-immigrant rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and digital campaigning. Analysts also explain how the party mirrors Western populists like Germany’s AfD, combining nationalist messaging with savvy use of YouTube and social media to bypass traditional institutions.

The report includes comments from Yasuo Takao, political science professor at Curtin University, and Fabian Schaefer, professor of Japanese studies at Friedrich-Alexander-University.

Markets eye US Fed chief’s speech for rate cut signals

Report on US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming address at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, which investors are watching closely for hints on rate cuts at its September meeting.

The story presents an overview of the US economic situation, with recent data on the job market and inflation, and the general expectations regarding policy steps from the Federal Reserve.

The report includes insights from Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, and Ryan Sweet, chief economist at Oxford Economics.