Diary

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

Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza City, forcing mass displacement

Israel’s escalating assault on Gaza City, marked by intensified airstrikes, the destruction of infrastructure, and attempts to occupy territory, driving mass displacement of a population already gripped by famine and humanitarian collapse.

Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla’s journey to enclave

Developments in the Global Sumud Flotilla's journey to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, as many ships join the effort near Sicily. The fleet plans to regroup off Malta before sailing together toward Gaza and is expected to reach the besieged territory by next week.

Syrian president expected to arrive in US for historic visit

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa expected to arrive in the US for historic visit in the wake of last year's fall of the Assad regime.

Syrian foreign minister's visit to Washington

Historic visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to Washington, his first official trip to the US capital since the fall of the Assad regime in December, and the first such trip by a Syrian foreign minister in more than 25 years. On day 4 of his open-ended visit, he is expected to meet with more American officials to discuss a number of issues, including the lifting of remaining sanctions and common political, security and economic interests.

Arrival of Arab leaders to New York for UN General Assembly meetings

Arab leaders and delegations set to arrive in New York to attend this week’s UN General Assembly meetings. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is also expected – the first time a Syrian president has taken part in the annual UN gathering since 1967.

Trump to attend Charlie Kirk memorial service

Memorial service set for right-wing commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. In addition to Kirk’s widow, speakers set to include US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump is also expected to speak to journalists while leaving and returning to the White House.

Portugal to announce recognition of Palestine, UK expected to follow suit

Per its Foreign Ministry, Portugal to announce recognition of the Palestinian state on Sunday, one day before a high-level conference on Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly. Separately, the British government is reportedly set to recognize Palestinian statehood this weekend before issuing a formal recognition at the UN. In July Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would recognize the state of Palestine this September unless the Israeli government takes “substantive steps.” Previously, Australia, Canada, France, Luxembourg, and Malta have announced similar plans to recognize Palestine.

Mass student protests expected in Philippines

Thousands of students in the Philippines expected to hold protest rallies against alleged corruption in state infrastructure projects. University students and activist groups have held rallies in recent days and vowed to expand the demonstrations nationwide on Sunday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked police to not block any protests.

Guinea’s constitutional referendum in bid to restore civilian rule

Guinea to hold constitutional referendum aimed at restoring civilian rule, marking a key step in the military government's roadmap to end military rule. The West African country’s transitional President Mamady Doumbouya seized power in a 2021 coup, later agreeing with West Africa’s ECOWAS bloc to a 24-month transition and vowing to hand power to civilians by the end of 2024.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's premier tech event TEKNOFEST

TEKNOFEST, one of the world's biggest tech, aviation, and space events, featuring competitions, air shows, and innovative tech showcases, set to conclude Sunday.