Diary

ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza’s Rafah crossing movements amid Israeli restrictions

Second week since limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing marked by continued Israeli restrictions, with only 397 travelers passing between Gaza and Egypt over one week.

Iran’s top security official to visit Qatar

Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, set to visit Doha on Wednesday, coming from Muscat, days after the resumption of nuclear talks with Washington.

Trump to host Israeli premier amid Iran negotiations

US President Donald Trump will receive Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for talks, expected to focus on negotiations with Iran following last week’s discussions in Oman. The meeting is currently listed as closed-door. Netanyahu will also meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in the day at the Department of State.

Protests are also expected to take place in Washington against Netanyahu.

Trump to announce new measures on coal

US President Trump will deliver remarks at the White House highlighting the role of coal as an energy source. Reports indicate he will unveil plans to use government funding and Pentagon contracts to sustain coal-fired power plants.

Canadian prime minister to attend National Caucus meeting

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the National Caucus meeting. He will later announce measures to strengthen the country’s security and defense industries before departing for Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference.

US attorney general to address House committee lawmakers

The US House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on oversight of the Department of Justice, with Attorney General Pam Bondi to appear as sole witness.

EU defense ministers gather in Brussels

European Union foreign ministers to meet in Brussels to discuss EU support to Ukraine, focusing on cooperation in defense innovation.

NATO chief holds presser ahead of ministerial meeting

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to brief press ahead of the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for Feb. 12 at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

European Industry Summit to be held in Belgium

European Industry Summit will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, focusing on strengthening Europe's geoeconomic position. The event will bring together approximately 400 CEOs and senior industry representatives from 25 sectors across Europe. Leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to attend.

Germany's Wadephul meets Central Asian ministers

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will host counterparts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan at the Foreign Ministry, aiming to strengthen political, economic, and security relations with the five Central Asian states.

Public sector strike in Germany

Four unions have called for a warning strike in Germany's public sector, affecting daycare centers, schools, and government offices. The strike coincides with the next round of collective bargaining talks scheduled for Feb. 11-13 in Potsdam.

UK defense chief visits Norway

Defense Secretary John Healey visits Norway, confirming that the number of British troops deployed to the country will double over three years from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel as part of the UK Defense Ministry’s resistance to ‘rising Russian threats.’ Healey is also expected to unveil Joint Expeditionary Force exercise, ‘Lion Protector,’ involving sea, air, land, and naval forces deployments across the High North in 2026.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to answer questions in the House of Commons, with lawmakers expected to press him over the former Minister Peter Mandelson scandal linked to Epstein. Development follows Tim Allan’s resignation as director of communications for Starmer on Monday, a day after the premier's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, stepped down.

WHO press conference on global health issues

World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to hold a virtual press conference on global health issues.

Turkish president's parliamentary address, meet with Greek premier

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend his Justice and Development (AK) Party’s parliamentary group meeting in the capital Ankara.

President Erdogan to officially welcome Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Presidential Complex with a formal ceremony in Ankara. Following bilateral talks with Mitsotakis, he will attend the Türkiye-Greece 6th High-Level Cooperation Council interdelegation meeting, participate in the signing ceremony of agreements, hold joint press conference with Mitsotakis, and attend an official dinner program.

Russian foreign minister to address lower chamber of parliament, State Duma

Sergey Lavrov to address the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, in Moscow. Lavrov is expected to present a report on the results of Russia's diplomatic activities in 2025 and answer lawmakers’ questions.

African foreign ministers convene ahead of African Union summit

Developments to be monitored as African foreign ministers meet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 39th African Union summit of heads of state. Discussions are expected to focus on climate resilience, water security, and conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, the Sahel region, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tensions persist in Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute

Situation to be monitored as Eritrea rejects accusations of occupying Ethiopian territory and supporting armed groups. Relations between the two countries have been strained at various points since their 1998-2000 border war, marked by intermittent accusations and ongoing security concerns along the frontier.

Nigeria faces ongoing security challenges

Insecurity in Nigeria to be monitored as violence continues to pose a threat. A deadly attack in Kwara State last week claimed at least 170 lives. The West African country grapples with terrorism, banditry, and abductions.

Chinese top diplomat visits Hungary

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Hungary at the invitation of his counterpart Peter Szijjarto. Wang will later travel to Germany to attend the 62nd Munich Security Conference.

Developments in Japan, Thailand following general elections

Monitoring developments as parliaments in Japan and Thailand likely to announce dates to elect prime minister. Process follows election victory of Liberal Democratic Party in Japan, and Bhumjaithai party in Thailand, with Sanae Takaichi and Anutin Charnvirakul expected to win the parliamentary votes, respectively.

Israel’s Herzog continues his Australia trip

Developments monitored as Israeli President Isaac Herzog's trip to Australia triggers tensions, amid calls for probe into police excesses against protesters who demand accountability over genocide in Gaza.

THE ECONOMY

Chinese inflation

China to release January monthly inflation data. In December, China's annual inflation rose to 0.8%.

US employment

US to release January monthly nonfarm payroll employment data. In December, the US economy added 50,000 jobs. The markets expect it to add 70,000 jobs in December.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - Bangladesh votes in its first post-Hasina election

Report on Bangladesh’s Feb. 12 parliamentary elections, marking the country’s first vote since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in 2024.

The report outlines the main political forces in the race, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the 11-party alliance led by Jama’at-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party.

The story also lays out the key issues shaping the vote and the potential challenges facing a new government or coalition, including stabilizing governance, maintaining public confidence, and navigating domestic and regional political pressures.

Water, climate, and continental stability top priorities at African Union summit

Report on the African Union summit to be held in Addis Ababa from Feb. 11-15, presenting an overview of key agenda items and topics of discussion.

The story details how the summit will focus on sustainable water availability, groundwater management and climate resilience, and addressing sanitation gaps that continue to affect public health and productivity.

It also presents an overview of parallel summit discussions on peace and security, including conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, the Sahel and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and previews talks on trade and financing, particularly implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Global crackdown on Roblox: Countries impose bans over child safety and exploitation risks

Report examining the growing global backlash against the online gaming system Roblox, as multiple countries impose bans or restrictions over child safety, moderation failures, and financial and sexual exploitation risks.

The article outlines actions taken by Türkiye, Oman, Qatar, Algeria, Iraq, Palestine, Russia, Egypt, and the Netherlands, along with China’s long-standing restrictions, detailing concerns over harmful content, unregulated virtual trading, cyber-extortion, and grooming by predators.

It also reviews legal challenges against the company, including US lawsuits and a case accusing Roblox of enabling child exploitation, and highlights the platform’s recent safety measures such as stricter chat rules, expanded parental controls, and mandatory age verification.

EXPLAINER - Church of England: Why Sarah Mullally’s leadership unsettles parts of the Anglican world

Report examining the confirmation of Sarah Mullally as the first female archbishop of Canterbury and the reactions across the global Anglican Communion.

The story outlines long-standing theological and cultural disputes intensified by her elevation, including debates over women’s ordination, same-sex blessings, and the role of the archbishop as a unifying figure.

It details responses from conservative voices in the Global South, including the Global Anglican Future Conference, as well as contrasting support from progressive and women’s advocacy groups, highlighting the growing tension between tradition and change in the Anglican world.