ISTANBUL (AA) — Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Developments in Syria after Assad regime collapse
Recent developments and updates in Syria after the appointment of Mohamed Al-Bashir as head of the transitional government and his assumption of power following the overthrow of the Baathist regime of Bashar al-Assad.
As Syria's new interim prime minister, Al-Bashir said Wednesday in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera that he aims to bring back millions displaced by the 13-year civil war, ensure the safety of all citizens, and deliver basic services.
More reactions on the Israeli seizure of Syria's Golan Heights and its relentless attacks on Syrian military assets, including missiles, tanks, artillery, and ammunition depots
Israel’s actions following Assad's downfall in Syria
Israel’s reactions and steps in the aftermath of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria as it monitors unfolding developments in the neighboring country.
On Wednesday, the Israeli army issued a warning to residents of Marya and Kwdana, villages in the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights, urging them to remain indoors. The warnings were delivered via leaflets dropped from the air before Israeli forces advanced and took control of the villages.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza
Israel continues to wage unabated genocidal war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, defying calls by the international community to cease hostilities and alleviate dire conditions faced by millions under daily attacks and a crippling siege.
Two Palestinians were killed on Wednesday and three others were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house belonging to the Al-Shanti family in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, northwest of Gaza City, a medical source told Anadolu.
In Rafah, in the southern part of the territory, paramedics reported the death of two Palestinians in an Israeli airstrike targeting a gathering of civilians southwest of the city.
The overall death toll due to the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to over 44,800, with nearly 106,300 others injured, the enclave's Health Ministry said.
Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip
The escalated Israeli siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip continues into its third month, exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine and leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.
A Palestinian woman and her two children were killed in an Israeli missile attack in the northern town of Beit Lahia on Wednesday, a medical source said.
Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Day 16 of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group.
In the Marjeyoun district of southern Lebanon, an Israeli army unit raided an inhabited house belonging to the Al-Jouki family in the town of Burj Al-Moulouk. The unit searched the house, interrogated two residents, and confiscated their mobile phones.
A UN peacekeeping force entered the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon on Wednesday to verify reports of Israeli troop withdrawal from the area.
The Israeli army committed eight cease-fire violations on Wednesday, killing five and injuring one person, bringing the total to 203 violations, 25 deaths, and 30 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on information from the Lebanese Ministry of Health and news agency reports.
US National Advisor Sullivan visit to Israel
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is set to travel to Israel this week to discuss key issues, including cease-fire efforts in Gaza, developments in Syria, and the situation in Lebanon, his spokesperson had announced Monday.
Meanwhile, Israeli media, citing an official, reported that Sullivan is set to arrive in Israel on Thursday, where he will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
Israeli prime minister testifying in ongoing corruption trial
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will appear in court for the third consecutive day on Thursday to defend himself against charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Netanyahu is scheduled to testify for six hours weekly over three days — Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday — until his testimony concludes.
The charges arise from “Case 2000” and “Case 4000,” which allege Netanyahu sought personal gain by securing favorable media coverage for himself and his family.
West Bank raids
Almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, and illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.
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.
Deteriorating security situation in Sudan
The dire security situation continues in the North African nation amid intensified clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
At least 15 people were killed and 60 injured in an attack by the RSF on Zamzam Camp, which shelters displaced people, and a livestock market in the city of El Fasher in western Sudan, local activists reported Wednesday.
US reactions on situation in Syria
Statements from the Biden administration on the unfolding situation in Syria following the collapse of Assad regime.
Trump to attend NYSE opening bell ceremony
President-elect Donald Trump is set to ring the New York Stock Exchange Opening Bell in the morning, amid reports he will been named Time's Person of the Year.
UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, UNDOF
UN Security Council to meet for a briefing followed by consultations on the UN mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA. In afternoon, there will be consultations on the UN mission monitoring the cease-fire between Syria and Israel, UNDOF.
Brazilian President Lula to undergo operation after brain bleed surgery
Monitoring developments as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to undergo a new procedure on Thursday following up on an emergency surgery earlier this week for a brain bleed.
Gang violence in Haiti
Nearly 200 people have been killed in recent days in a gang massacre in Haiti as the country is gripped by escalating violence. This year, violence has left at least 5,000 people dead in the country.
Germany hostnig meeting of European foreign ministers on Ukraine
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will host a meeting of foreign ministers on Ukraine, with the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas attending.
London meeting between UK premier, new European Council chief
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host talks with the European Council's new President Antonio Costa. Costa, the former prime minister of Portugal, took office as president of the European Council on Dec. 1. Discussions may include EU-UK relations, immigration issues.
Macron to visit Poland
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Warsaw. Macron will meet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss Europe's support for Ukraine "in a new transatlantic context," and ahead of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025, the Elyssee said.
Pope Francis to host Palestinian President Abbas in Vatican
Pope Francis will host Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Vatican. The two leaders are expected to discuss the latest situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Launch of the IISS Armed Conflict Survey 2024
The International Institute for Strategic Studies will publish its annual data on fatalities, internally displaced people and refugees for all major armed conflicts. The launch event will take place at the IISS headquarters in London.
Turkish president to meet with Hungarian counterpart, prime minister
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will recieve Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, followed by a meeting with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok at the Presidential Complex in the capital Ankara.
He will also attend the closing ceremony of the Türkiye-Hungary Culture Year, to be held at the Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center.
Turkish parliament speaker to meet with Cambodian counterpart
Turkish parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmus will meet with the President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen and hold a joint news conference.
Visit by US secretary of state to Ankara
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive Thursday in the Turkish capital Ankara for an official two-day visit for talks on developments across the region and bilateral cooperation.
Russian reaction to ongoing developments in Syria following collapse of Assad regime
Russia has regularly reacted to ongoing developments in Syria after the fall of Assad regime. Assad and his family have sought asylum in Russia, which the Kremlin 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. Russia has said that the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority.
Council of CIS Heads of Government to be held in Russia
The Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will be held in the Russian capital Moscow. The main focus of the meeting is expected to be strengthening economic cooperation, digitalization of the transport sector and the development of cultural and humanitarian interaction among members of the CIS.
Tensions rising in Georgia as government suspends EU accession talks
Georgia has been facing mounting political tensions after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Nov. 28 the suspension of his country's EU accession talks until 2028.
The move has sparked major pro-EU protests across the country, including the capital Tbilisi, as well as international and regional criticism. Statements from key figures in the country, as well as international remarks, to be followed.
UN chief to visit Lesotho, address parliament
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Lesotho, a small landlocked Southern African nation. Guterres will hold talks with King Letsie III, Prime Minister Sam Matekane and later address the country’s Parliament.
Guterres started his Africa trip on Wednesday in South Africa, where he addressed the G20 Sherpa meeting in Johannesburg, and later addressed a joint media briefing with Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola in the capital Pretoria.
Angolan president to visit South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco on Thursday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
President Yoon clinches to power dragging political crisis in South Korea
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has defended his decision to impose martial law and said he will fight until the end in the face of growing calls for his resignation and impeachment. However, the ruling party chief has backed an impeachment motion against Yoon, whose office blocked a police raid to probe his failed bid to impose martial law.
He and his aides face charges of treason and insurrection and could be arrested if the prosecution prepares its indictment. The opposition is expected to file a fresh impeachment motion against Yoon.
Thai top diplomat to visit New Zealand
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa arrived in New Zealand for an official four-day visit. During his stay in Wellington, he will meet with his counterpart Winston Peters and other senior officials for talks to boost bilateral relations.
India's top court to hear petitions against Places of Worship Act
The Indian Supreme Court will hear a batch of petitions challenging the country's 1991 Places of Worship Act. The legislation declares that the religious character of a place of worship shall remain as it was on Aug. 15, 1947.
Taliban likely to probe assassination of key Afghan minister
The Interim Taliban administration of Afghanistan is expected to launch a probe after acting Refugees and Repatriation Minister Khalil Haqqani was killed in a suicide attack while in his office in the capital Kabul.
The interim administration is also expected to name a new minister.
UAE top diplomat visits India
Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will meet with his Indian counterpart in New Delhi and co-chair the India-United Arab Emirates joint commission meeting. He is also expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Egyptian foreign minister to visit China
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty arrived on an official two-day visit to China. During his stay in Beijing, he will meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and co-chair the China-Egypt foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue.
SPORTS
UEFA Europa League league phase matchday 6 (football)
Malmo vs. Galatasaray
Bodo/Glimt vs. Besiktas
Roma vs. Braga
UEFA Conference League league phase matchday 6 (football)
Astana vs. Chelsea
Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 15 (basketball)
Fenerbahce vs. AS Monaco
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s current account balance
The Turkish Central Bank will share balance of payments data for October. An Anadolu survey estimated that the current account posted a surplus of $1.29 billion that month. It had posted a surplus of $3 billion in September, while the annualized current account deficit was at $9.65 billion.
US producer prices and jobless claims
The US is scheduled to release producer prices indexes for November. It was at 2.4% annually in October and the market forecasts it will be at 2.6% in November. The country will also release weekly jobless claims figures.
OECD GDP
The Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development will release third-quarter gross domestic product data for G20 countries.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Trump’s tariff threats: Could Mexico wage a commercial war against US?
Report examining Mexico’s stance amid incoming US President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs, while also exploring the potential domestic, socioeconomic and diplomatic repercussions for the country.
The story delves into the Mexican government’s response to the threats, highlighting official stances and strategies, featuring perspectives from business and industry leaders, focusing on their concerns and the steps being taken to mitigate potential effects.
The report includes comments from Raul Feliz, an economist and analyst at the Center for Economic Research and Teaching, and Gloria Estrada, president of the Foreign Trade Committee of the Mexican Association of Public Accountants.
Italy capitalizing on waning French influence to boost power in Tunisia and Algeria: Expert
Report on the growing battle for power between Italy and France in North Africa, particularly the nations of Tunisia and Algeria.
The story charts the evolution of the competition between Rome and Paris in the region, explaining how the two sides have diverging interests, the areas of increased friction, and the strategies they have been utilizing to advance their positions.
The report includes an interview with Umberto Profazio, a senior analyst of North African affairs at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, who discusses the aims and objectives of Italy and France, and presents an overview of how things could play out in the near future.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with Umberto Profazio, an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, about the battle between Italy and France for influence in North Africa, where he explains the two sides’ objectives and presents an assessment of how the competition is playing out in the region.