Draft Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Developments in Syria after collapse of Assad’s regime

Latest updates and developments in Syria after appointment of Mohamed Al-Bashir as head of the transitional government until March 2025 following the overthrow of Assad’s regime.

More reactions to the Israeli grab of Syria’s Golan Heights and its relentless attacks on the capabilities of the Syrian Army - missiles, tanks, artillery, and ammunition depots.

Israel’s steps and reactions to Assad's downfall in Syria

Israel’s reactions and steps to the Assad's regime downfall in Syria as it is closely following the rapidly developing situation in the neighboring country.

On Tuesday, the Israeli Navy carried out a large-scale operation to destroy Syria’s naval fleet following the downfall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Israeli media reported.

According to Israeli media, the army launched attacks against at least 300 targets across Syria, including airbases and other capabilities, following Assad’s fall this weekend.

On Sunday, the Israeli army captured the demilitarized buffer zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights in what it called a defensive move. Israel occupied the Golan Heights during the 1967 Middle East War.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Israel’s genocidal war continues unabated against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, despite calls by the international community to halt it and save millions of Palestinians facing the threat of daily attacks and a crippling siege.

At least 10 Palestinians, including a woman and three children, were killed on Tuesday and others injured in Israeli airstrikes in the central and northern Gaza Strip, medics said.

The overall death toll due to the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to 44,786, with 106,188 others injured, the Health Ministry in the enclave said on Tuesday.

Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip

Israel's over two-month siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine, leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.

The Israeli army killed two Palestinian families of 25 individuals late Monday after bombing a home that was sheltering them in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Day 15 of cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and its continuous violation by Israeli forces.

The Israeli forces on Tuesday carried out a large-scale demolition operation in the town of Meiss El Jabal in Marjayoun of southern Lebanon, the state-run news agency NNA reported.

Israeli aircraft also fired a missile into a 3-story home in Qleiaat town in Akkar province, but the missile failed to explode, the state news agency NNA reported.

West Bank raids

Almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, and illegal settlers' violence against Palestinians and their properties.

Israel has killed at least 809 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,000 taken into custody.

Israeli prime minister testifying in ongoing corruption trial

The second day of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's appearance before the court which started Tuesday to defend himself against charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Testifying before the Tel Aviv District Court in a fortified underground chamber, Netanyahu on Tuesday refuted accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, as well as attempting to manipulate media outlets to improve his public image.

Netanyahu is scheduled to testify six hours weekly over three days – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – until his testimony concludes.

The charges stem from cases labeled “Case 2000” and “Case 4000,” accusing Netanyahu of feathering his own nest and securing favorable media coverage for himself and his family.

Egyptian President al-Sisi’s European tour

The seventh and last day of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's European tour which began on Thursday with a visit to Denmark’s capital Copenhagen.

Al-Sisi arrived Tuesday evening in Ireland after departing from the Norwegian capital, Oslo, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Egypt and European countries.

Egyptian president will hold meetings with both President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Simon Harris of Ireland to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation between the two countries and coordinating positions on international issues, according to the Egyptian Presidency.

Antony Blinken speaks at Afghanistan withdrawal hearing

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify at House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

CIA official charged over leak of Israel plans to attack Iran

Asif Rahman, a CIA official charged over the high-profile leak of US intelligence relating to Israeli plans to attack Iran, appears in an Eastern District of Virginia court.

UN Security Council to discuss Yemen, Haiti

UN Security Council to meet for a briefing on the Middle East followed by consultations on Yemen. In afternoon, the members will discuss Sudan and South Sudan, and Haiti.

UN General Assembly's emergency session on illegal Israeli actions in Palestine

UN General Assembly to hold an emergency session on illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory.

US House of Representatives - 2025 NDAA vote

Members of House of Representatives expected to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

Brazilian President Lula's health following surgery

Monitoring developments after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva underwent emergency surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage. Lula, 79, experienced headaches that were related to a fall he suffered in October.

Gang violence in Haiti

Developments after nearly 200 people were killed in gang massacre in Haiti as the country is gripped by escalating violence. This year, the violence has left at least 5,000 people dead in the country.

France awaits announcement of new premier, government

The French are waiting for President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a new prime minister after lawmakers toppled Michel Barnier and his government on Dec. 4 with a no-confidence vote. In a live address to the nation on Thursday, the president said he would nominate a new premier “in the coming days.”

Human rights violations in Gaza - UN press conference in Geneva

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights holds a press conference on human rights violations in Gaza and across the occupied Palestinian territory. Speakers are: Francesca Albanese, special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967; Margaret Satterthwaite, special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Ben Saul, special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; and George Katrougalos, special rapporteur on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.

Chancellor Scholz submits confidence vote request

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to submit a formal request for a confidence vote to trigger new elections after his three-party coalition government collapsed last month. The vote is expected take place on Dec. 16. If parliament votes no confidence in Scholz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will have 21 days to dissolve parliament and confirm the date for new elections.

Chancellor Scholz meets Ukrainian prime minister in Berlin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to open the 7th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin, joined by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, Economy Minister Robert Habeck and Development Minister Svenja Schulze. The forum, themed "Stronger together. Securing the future," will focus on bilateral economic relations and Germany's support for Ukraine. The event includes Scholz's keynote speech followed by bilateral talks with Schmyhal. Organized by German chambers of commerce and industry groups, the forum aims to encourage continued private sector engagement in Ukraine.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include situation in the Middle East, latest situation in Syria as well as UK support to Israel and the war in Ukraine.

Rail strike in France

Rail unions at France's state-owned railway company, SNCF, begin strikes over plans to break the company up into new subsidiaries. Three unions are involved in the strike - the CGT-Cheminots, CFDT-Cheminots, and SUD-Rail - while a fourth, UNSA-Ferroviaire, has called off its strike. It comes ahead of a general strike that has been called for tomorrow over civil service budget cuts.

WHO World Malaria Report 2024

The World Health Organisation (WHO) publishes its World Malaria Report 2024, which provides an assessment of trends in malaria control and elimination across the world.

Russian reaction to ongoing developments in Syria following fall of Assad regime

Russia has regularly reacted to ongoing developments in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad regime, marking the end of 61 years of Baath Party rule. Assad and his family have sought asylum in Russia, which the Kremlin has confirmed on Monday. Statements and media reports from Moscow concerning the Russian perspective on the ongoing developments in Syria and the fate of Russia's military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim will be followed.

Putin to hold meeting with government members via videoconference

Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a meeting with government members via videoconference. According to the Kremlin, the meeting will focus on the development of the country's coal industry, and will involve the participation of key Cabinet members, including Russia's energy and transport ministers.

Tensions rise in Georgia as gov't suspends Tbilisi's EU accession talks

Political tensions in Georgia rise as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Nov. 28 the suspension of his country's EU accession talks until 2028. The move has caused major pro-EU protests across the country, including the capital Tbilisi, as well as international and regional criticism. Statements to be followed from key figures in the country, as well as international remarks.

On trip to Zambia, UK development minister expected to announce plans to drive growth in Africa

UK’s Minister of State for Development Anneliese Dodds starts a two-day working visit to Zambia where she is expected to announce measures to drive growth in Africa, including educational support in Malawi and green growth projects in Zambia. Dodds will also hold talks with President Hakainde Hichilema, in the capital Lusaka.

Mauritanian hosts continental conference aimed at skilling Africans for 21st century

Mauritanian to host a 3-day continental conference on education in partnership with the African Union and the UN Children’s agency UNICEF aimed at educating and skilling African youths for the 21st century. The conference chaired by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is expected to bring together heads of state, policymakers, experts, as well as civil society and private sector actors.

Somali President visits Turkiye at invitation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

President of Somalia, Hassan Mohamud, is visiting Turkiye at invitation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkiye has been mediating to ease tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

UN chief to address G20 Sherpas meeting in South Africa

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to address a G20 Sherpas meeting in Johannesburg. South Africa on Monday held its first G20 meeting under its presidency which commenced on Dec. 1, under the theme Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. South Africa is the first African country to lead the group of powerful nations. Guterres is also expected to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.

Political crisis deepens in South Korea as police raid president's office

Prosecution expected to question South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over failed martial law attempt as lawmakers adopted a motion to appoint special counsel for investigations. Police also raided Yoon's office to seize Cabinet documents while former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was formally arrested. The opposition parties are expected to file a fresh impeachment motion against Yoon whose party is exploring scenarios for presidential elections early next year.

Philippines Vice President Duterte skips police questioning

Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte again skips National Bureau of Investigation probe into her alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Chinese military drills around Taiwan continue

Chinese military is expected to lift airspace restrictions and scale down military activities around Taiwan. Taipei has said Beijing launched biggest naval fleet around the island nation in decades.

Foreign Ministry holds regular news briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing with focus on relations with US, the incoming Trump administration, situation in Syria, wars in Gaza and Ukraine as well as situation on Korean Peninsula among other issues.

Turkish president to attend World Human Rights Day function

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the “World Human Rights Day Faces of Brotherhood Program” at the AK Party Congress Center in Ankara.

SPORTS

UEFA Europa League league phase matchday 6:

Fenerbahce vs. Athletic Bilbao

UEFA Champions League league phase matchday 6:

Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona

Juventus vs. Manchester City

ECONOMY

Türkiye’s retail sales

Turkish Statistical Institute to release retail sales for October. Retail sales grew 2.3% month-on-month and 15.9% year-on-year in September, suggesting that consumers are spending more, which is a significant driver of economic growth.

US inflation

US will release consumer inflation figures for November. Annual inflation is expected to rise for a second consecutive month to 2.7% in November, from 2.6% in October. On a monthly basis, consumer prices are projected to increase by 0.3%, slightly accelerating from October's 0.2%.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Vicious circle’: Is France headed for more political turmoil?

Report on the aftermath of the French government’s collapse, focusing on the potential scenarios for the country’s political and social landscape in the near future.

The story unpacks the implications of the collapse of Michel Barnier’s government, exploring questions around President Emmanuel Macron’s next steps, and provides an overview of France’s possible political trajectory during this period of uncertainty.

The report includes an interview with Joseph Downing, a senior lecturer at Aston University and expert on French politics, who shares a stark assessment of the dangers to French democracy and society.

Ethical use of AI could prove key in push for climate justice: Expert

Interview with Mark Coeckelbergh, co-founder of Using AI for Good and a member of the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence.

Coeckelbergh speaks about the vital role that AI could play in efforts to combat climate change, stressing that evolving technologies could prove to be key tools if tempered with strong ethical safeguards and global cooperation.

He also explains how AI can help mitigate the unequal impacts of climate change on vulnerable regions, while proposing practical steps on how to integrate AI tech into existing strategies.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with artificial intelligence expert Mark Coeckelbergh about the role that AI could play in efforts to combat climate change, where he explains how new technologies can be integrated into existing strategies and stresses the need for strong ethical safeguards.