Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israel continues violations in Gaza, as restrictions tighten at Rafah crossing

Israeli forces continue to violate the Gaza ceasefire as Palestinians enter and exit through the Rafah crossing, which was only partially reopened last week under strict Israeli restrictions.

Munich Security Conference opens

The 62nd Munich Security Conference will begin with a speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and last three days, bringing together around 60 heads of state and government, as well as dozens of foreign and defense ministers. The discussions will center on European security, transatlantic relations, Ukraine, and the Middle East, with EU leaders expected to address key issues on the final day.

Trump to meet with special forces involved in Venezuela military operation

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will visit Fort Bragg in the state of North Carolina to meet with special forces involved in last month’s military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump is also scheduled to deliver remarks to families of the military members at the installation before attending a private military engagement. From there, they will depart for Palm Beach, where the Trumps will take part in a private dinner and spend the weekend.

UN Security Council to discuss Syria

The UN Security Council will hold its monthly open briefing and closed consultations on the political and humanitarian situations in Syria. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya are expected to brief council members.

Canadian premier to attend community vigil after mass shooting

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit the town of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia following Tuesday’s deadly school shooting. Carney is due to take part in a vigil alongside other political leaders.

Humanitarian, energy crunch in Cuba

Cuba is experiencing a severe humanitarian and energy crisis amid an ongoing oil embargo by the US, amid escalating pressure following last month’s military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro.

Protests in Argentina against labor curbs

More protests in Argentina are expected after demonstrations erupted in the capital, Buenos Aires. President Javier Milei's proposed labor reforms have sparked outrage, as lawmakers debate legislation that critics say would weaken worker protections and limit union power.

Tajik premier visits Kyrgyzstan

Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda to conduct an official visit to neighboring Kyrgyzstan amid the first meeting of the Kyrgyz-Tajik Intergovernmental Council. Following the meeting, a number of documents are expected to be signed, as the two countries experience a thaw in bilateral ties, strained by violent border conflicts.

Developments in 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

The developments in Moscow and Kyiv will be followed by an expected third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the US. The next round of talks, following two in January and earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, is expected to be announced with a specific date and location.

Possible visit by Ukraine's president to Germany amid Munich Security Conference

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Germany, as the three-day Munich Security Conference 2026 will open on Friday. Zelenskyy said Wednesday that his attendance at the event will be contingent on the security situation in Ukraine. If the visit takes place, Zelenskyy is expected to participate in a panel and possibly meet with top officials on the sidelines.

Ethiopia hosts 2nd Italy-Africa summit

The second Italy-Africa summit will be held in Addis Ababa alongside the African Union summit, marking the first time the meeting will take place on African soil. The leaders will discuss political and economic cooperation, as well as progress on joint initiatives under Italy's Mattei Plan.

UN deploys forces in eastern DR Congo

The UN mission (MONUSCO) will deploy forces to the border city of Uvira in South Kivu province to monitor a ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of the Congo's government and the AFC/M23 rebels. MONUSCO's interim head of mission, Vivian van de Perre, arrived at Goma International Airport ahead of ceasefire monitoring efforts, after the airport had been closed for more than a year.

Cyclone Gezani’s aftermath in Madagascar

Madagascar reels from Cyclone Gezani, with 36 confirmed dead, hundreds injured, and thousands of homes damaged, according to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management.

Electoral body to announce general election results in Bangladesh

Official general election results are expected as Bangladesh holds its first elections since the overthrow of the Awami League party's 15-year rule in 2024. Nearly half of the more than 127.6 million eligible voters voted for 300 lawmakers and a referendum on constitutional reforms. The Bangladesh National Party-led alliance and the Jamaat-e-Islami party-led bloc are seen as major competitors.

China’s top diplomat addresses Munich Security Conference

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to address 62nd Munich Security Conference. Wang will address the ‘China Session’ during the 3-day event in the southeastern German city of Munich.

Japan’s opposition Centrist Reform Alliance holds leadership election​​​​​​​

Japan's main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance is holding a leadership election following a disastrous defeat in Sunday's general elections, which gave the ruling Liberal Democratic Party a supermajority in the 465-seat lower house of parliament. In comparison to the 167 lawmakers elected in the previous parliament, the alliance only won 49 seats.

THE ECONOMY

US inflation

The US will release monthly consumer price index (CPI) data for January. In December, the annual inflation eased to 2.7%. The markets expect it to ease further to 2.5% in January.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Can the Winter Olympics survive climate change?

Report examining how climate change is transforming the Winter Olympics, as rising temperatures, declining snowfall, and extreme weather increasingly challenge the viability of locations such as the current host, Italy.

The story explores recent research showing that many traditional winter sports venues may no longer be suitable to host events in the coming decades and assesses risks such as snow shortages, landslides, and broader climate-related disruptions. It also examines the growing reliance on artificial snow and debates over its environmental and economic feasibility.

The report features interviews with Daniel Scott of the University of Waterloo, Timothy Kellison of Florida State University, and Carmen de Jong of the University of Strasbourg on climate impacts and risks for the future of the Winter Olympics.

People and power: How Cubans and their government see US pressure

Report examining how renewed US threats of regime change have affected Cuba’s political climate, economy, and public sentiment.

The story explores how ordinary Cubans perceive the rising tensions, ongoing economic hardships, and energy shortages due to US sanctions and blockades. It also looks at the Cuban government’s military and diplomatic response, including outreach to Russia, China and BRICS partners.

The report features interviews with Havana residents, Cuban journalist Liz Oliva Fernandez, and analyst Anna Ayuso of the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs on public opinion, economic conditions and geopolitical implications.

Arctic shortcut or strategic challenge? Experts question Northern Sea Route’s promise

Report examining how melting Arctic ice has revived interest in the Northern Sea Route as a potential shortcut between Asia and Europe, while experts caution that harsh conditions, high costs and geopolitical uncertainties limit its reliability as a major trade corridor.

The story explores navigational risks, infrastructure gaps, insurability challenges and the scale gap with the Suez Canal, as well as Russia’s role in administering the route and China’s growing interest in Arctic shipping. It also assesses implications for the EU’s trade resilience and strategic autonomy.

The report features comments from Ksenia Vakhrusheva, Arctic policy advisor at the Bellona Foundation, and Andrea Dugo, economist at the European Centre for International Political Economy, on navigational constraints, commercial viability and EU policy considerations.