Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire phase-two mediation

Developments surrounding mediators’ efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas amid Israeli violations.

Israeli military offensive in occupied West Bank

Developments on the Israeli-imposed curfew in Jenin’s Qabatia in northern West Bank, coinciding with a wide military escalation involving raids, home demolitions, and city closures that left Palestinians dead and wounded across the West Bank.

Bahrain hosts 46th Gulf summit

Bahrain will host the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit on Dec. 3, bringing together leaders of member states for the bloc’s eighth joint meeting in Manama.

Saudi Arabia hosts 1st international nonprofit forum to maximize socio-economic impact

Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural BEYOND PROFIT International Non-Profit Forum in Riyadh on Dec. 3–5, a first-of-its-kind international meeting, bringing together senior leaders, decision-makers, experts and social-impact innovators from around the world to boost the sector’s role in sustainable development and socio-economic impact.

Qatari prime minister’s anticipated visit to Beirut

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to arrive in Beirut on Wednesday for a visit during which he will meet with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, as part of efforts linked to the initiatives addressing border tensions with Israel, according to Lebanese media reports.

NATO foreign ministers gather in Brussels

Foreign ministers of NATO member states meet at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, chaired by Secretary General Mark Rutte. The agenda is expected to include boosting defense spending and capabilities, along with discussions on the US-backed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is also set to attend the meeting.

Libyan official accused of war crimes appears before ICC

Libyan national Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri makes his first appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after surrendering to the Hague on Dec. 1 following his arrest in Germany this summer.

El Hishri is alleged to have been one of the most senior officials at Mitiga Prison, and is accused of committing or overseeing war crimes and crimes against humanity between February 2015 and early 2020.

German president visits UK

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier begins his three-day state visit to the UK at the invitation of King Charles III. The king hosts the German president at Windsor Castle during the visit, which came after the UK royal couple’s visit to Germany in 2023. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the German president are expected to have bilateral talks and a discussion with German and UK businesses.

UN briefing on explosive ordnance

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) holds a press briefing on protecting people from mines and other explosive ordnance in complex settings in Geneva.

Final vote count in Honduras presidential election

The final vote count continues in Honduras, where the knife-edge lead in Sunday’s presidential race changed hands to former Vice President Salvador Nasralla over his rival, conservative former Mayor Nasry Asfura.

Trump to make announcement

US President Donald Trump will make an announcement on an unspecified subject at the White House, possibly later speaking to reporters. He will also attend a class of the White House Internship Program, which is currently listed as closed to the press.

US defense chief to attend Christmas tree lighting event

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Pentagon. He is also expected to speak to reporters in the morning.

President Erdogan to attend AK Party meeting

Turkish President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend his party’s group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to attend NATO foreign ministers meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to participate in the NATO foreign ministers meeting at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels.

Developments on peace efforts in Russia-Ukraine war

Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv will be followed following the visit of US negotiators to Moscow.

Moscow to host BRICS anti-terrorist forum

An international anti-terrorism forum, “BRICS+ 2025,” will be held in Moscow on Dec. 3-4. With over 100 delegates expected, the event will feature a key roundtable on harmonizing national and regional counter-terrorism approaches.

Possible meeting between US envoys, Zelenskyy in Europe

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner may meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an unspecified European country on Wednesday. The two US representatives are expected to brief Zelenskyy on their talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place in Moscow on Tuesday.

South Korea marks 1st anniversary of martial law

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers special address to mark first anniversary of martial law imposed by his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, who remains in jail.

France’s Macron kicks off 3-day visit to China

French President Emmanuel Macron kicks off his 3-day state visit to China. Macron is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss bilateral ties as well as major international and regional hot spot issues.

Defense chiefs of Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Australia meet

Defense ministers of Papua New Guinea, Australia and Indonesia hold inaugural trilateral meeting in Port Moresby. Indonesia’s concerns about recent defense treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea is expected to be addressed.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's inflation

TurkStat to release monthly inflation figures for November. In October, the annual inflation eased to 32.87%, and monthly inflation to 2.55%.

US private sector employment

US research firm ADP to release monthly private payroll data for November. In October, US private sector added 42,000 jobs.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Putin heads to India: What’s on the agenda?

Report on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s trip to India, examining strategic ties, US pressure, and the significance of the visit.

The story explores key issues to be discussed between the two countries, including defence deals, oil imports, trade agreement and BRICS coordination.

The report also examines India’s balancing act between Russia and the US, and what Moscow hopes to achieve, with insights from Indian political and defense analyst Pravin Sawhney and Oleg Ignatov, senior analyst for Russia at the International Crisis Group.

Europe rearms: From conscription returns to multi-billion defense plans

Report on the growing trend across Europe to reintroduce or modernize military service programs, alongside sweeping rearmament initiatives aimed at rebuilding defense capabilities.

The story presents details of decisions taken in various countries such as Germany, France, Croatia and others, and also examines what is driving these moves – from the Ukraine war and shifting geopolitical realities to concerns over manpower shortages and alliance burden-sharing.

The report includes expert insights from Atlantic Council expert Elisabeth Braw on the strategic implications for NATO, domestic politics, and Europe’s long-term deterrence posture.​​​​​​​