Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza and severe weather conditions

Ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations in the Gaza Strip amid worsening humanitarian conditions and heavy rainfall from a new weather system, flooding hundreds of displaced persons’ tents.

Indian prime minister to visit Oman

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in the Omani capital Muscat on Wednesday in an official two-day visit, during which he will conduct talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

Situation in Sudan’s Kordofan amid ongoing RSF attacks

Humanitarian and field situation in Sudan’s Kordofan after authorities announced that nearly 2,000 people were displaced from the Heglig area following a grueling nine-day displacement journey triggered by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of the area.

Trump to deliver address to nation, attend ceremony for US soldiers killed in Syria

US President Donald Trump will deliver a televised address to the nation, which will cover his accomplishments so far in his second term, as well as future plans for the next three years, according to his press secretary.

He will also attend a transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, following the deaths of two US soldiers in Syria last weekend. The event is currently listed as closed to reporters.

US secretary of state to host Qatari prime minister

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Department of State.

US House to vote on Republican healthcare bill

Members of the US House of Representatives are expected to vote on a Republican-backed healthcare bill ahead of an end-of-2025 lapse to tax credits under the Obama-era Affordable Care Act. The Republican plan has drawn criticism for not including an extension.

UN Security Council to hold briefing on Yemen

The UN Security Council will hold its monthly briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Yemen. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and Joyce Msuya from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are expected to brief on political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country.

US-Venezuela tensions escalate further

The US and Venezuela traded barbs on Tuesday after President Trump announced a blockade on oil tankers approaching and leaving the South American nation’s waters, a move condemned by Caracas. Venezuela has vowed to denounce the US decision at the UN as a violation of international law.

EU-Western Balkans summit takes place in Brussels

EU and Western Balkans leaders will meet to discuss the region’s EU membership prospects and the strategic importance of their partnership. Currently, five Western Balkan countries, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, hold official EU candidate status.

Doctors begin 5-day strike in UK

In a latest action over pay, thousands of resident doctors begin another five-day walkout in the UK following British Medical Association calls "the continuing failure of the government to make a credible offer on jobs or pay."

It comes amid a recent statement by Britain’s National Health Service, warning that hospitals are facing the "worst case scenario" December amid a "super flu" surge. ​​​​​​​

Russian, Iranian foreign ministers to hold talks in Moscow

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on matters of bilateral cooperation. The ministers will discuss the situation around the Iran nuclear deal.

Thailand-Cambodia developments

Developments as Bangkok urges Phnom Penh to declare a ceasefire after days of clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, which have left more than 52 people dead on both sides.

THE ECONOMY

UK inflation

UK to share monthly inflation figures for November. In October, consumer price index rose 3.6% year-on-year.

Euro are inflation

Eurostat to release final inflation data for November. Preliminary estimates showed the annual inflation was up to 2.2% in November.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Yemen conflict: Who controls what areas?

Report examining the evolving dynamics of Yemen’s conflict, breaking down the country’s territorial control amid a war that has splintered authority across multiple rival actors.

The story explains which regions are controlled by the Houthis, the internationally recognized government, the Southern Transitional Council, and other forces, outlining how shifting front lines, power-sharing arrangements, and local alliances continue to shape the battlefield.

The report includes comments by Gamal Gasim, an associate professor at Grand Valley State University, and Maysaa Shuja, a senior researcher at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Center.

Uncertainty and concerns: Is Nepal headed to elections?

Report examining whether Nepal is heading to elections amid protests, political realignments, and mounting pressure on embattled leaders.

The story analyzes Nepal’s path to polls after the electoral body announced its election program despite no guarantee that voting will occur in early March as planned. It details the rapid political reshuffling taking place – from new parties formed by youth activists to mergers led by veteran politicians – while major mainstream forces condition their support for timely elections on reinstating parliament and installing a consensus “poll government.”

The report also outlines how legal challenges and corruption inquiries have further destabilized the landscape, featuring comments from Nepalese citizens, analysts, and officials, including former chief election commissioner Neel Kantha Uprety and Mahabir Pun, a minister in the current interim government.