ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Developments in Syria under new transitional government
Latest 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.
On Tuesday, the UN refugee agency said that thousands of Syrians are returning to their homeland in the post-Assad era.
The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, has begun investigating a mass grave discovered on Tuesday near Damascus' Baghdad Bridge neighborhood.
France raised its flag at its Damascus Embassy on Tuesday, according to media reports.
The European Commission president on Tuesday highlighted the importance of Syrian reconstruction for the EU, hinting that the bloc could be involved in Syrian reconstruction in the post-Assad era.
Egypt hosts preparatory meetings for D-8 summit
The third day of the preparatory meetings for the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation summit in the Egyptian capital Cairo.
The meetings, which began on Monday, discuss the issues that will be included in the summit’s agenda, particularly ways to enhance economic cooperation among member states.
The D-8 foreign ministers, including Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan, are set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the outcomes of the preparatory meetings.
The summit is scheduled to open on Thursday with the participation of Egypt, Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nigeria.
Among the leaders who are going to arrive in Cairo on Wednesday are Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Bangladesh Transitional Government Head Muhammad Yunus.
The Islamic countries’ representatives are expected to hold bilateral meetings.
For his part, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Egypt on Thursday to attend the D-8 summit, marking the first visit by an Iranian leader since 2013.
Israeli actions following Assad's ouster 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.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu conducted a situation assessment at the foothills of Mt. Hermon on the Syrian border, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Northern Command Commander Uri Gordin, and Shin Bet (General Security Service) Chief Ronen Bar, the prime minister's office said Tuesday.
Netanyahu reviewed the preparedness of Israeli army forces in the area and outlined the rules for continuation, the office added.
More international and Arab reactions on the Israeli decision to bolster Israeli settlement in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
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.
Ten people lost their lives on Tuesday in a strike that hit a home in the Al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City, a medical source told Anadolu.
Two more people were killed in another strike targeting a group of civilians near a mosque in the Zeitoun neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, eyewitnesses said.
The overall death toll due to the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to over 45,000, with nearly 107,000 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 continue into its third month, exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicines and leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.
On Tuesday, four Palestinians were killed and several others injured in Israeli shelling of a group of civilians in the Beit Lahia Project area in northern Gaza Strip, a medical source told Anadolu.
Another Israeli strike targeting a house left 15 people dead in the northern town of Beit Lahia, another medical source said.
Gaza cease-fire talks
Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.
Egypt and Qatar are exerting “intensive efforts” with Hamas and Israel to reach a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Egyptian media said on Tuesday.
The state-affiliated Al-Qahera News channel said Cairo and Doha are “strenuously working with all parties to reach a cease-fire in Gaza,” without providing further details.
However, the Israeli army plans to prevent displaced Palestinians from returning to their homes in northern Gaza, according to Israeli media on Tuesday.
Netanyahu's office also denied international reports suggesting that he is heading to the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the details of a prisoner exchange deal and a cease-fire in Gaza.
For its part, Palestinian resistance group Hamas said Tuesday that talks held in the Qatari capital Doha to reach a cease-fire and prisoner swap deal with Israel were “positive and serious.”
Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Day 22 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.
On Tuesday, two people were injured as a result of an Israeli drone strike on the town of Majdal Zoun in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon, in a continued violation of the cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah.
These violations, as of yet, have resulted in the deaths of 30 people and injuries to 36 others, according to official Lebanese statements.
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.
Two Palestinians were shot dead in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to medics.
Israel has killed at least 815 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,100 taken into custody.
Red Sea tensions
Red Sea tensions and the exchange of attacks between Israel and the US-UK coalition from one side and the Yemen’s Houthi group from the other side.
Israel is preparing for a military offensive against Yemen's Houthi group in response to continued missile and drone attacks, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) said Monday.
Turkish president to host Lebanese premier in Ankara
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at Presidential Complex in Ankara.
Following the bilateral and delegation-level meetings, Erdogan and Mikati joint press conference will be held.
Turkish parliament speaker to meet his Azerbaijani counterpart
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus to meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart Sahiba Gafarova and hold joint press conference.
Biden administration's reaction on developments in Syria
Reactions from Biden administration on the developments in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime and formation of a caretaker government.
UN Security Council - Israeli-Palestinian conflict discussed
UN Security Council to convene for a briefing followed by consultations on Resolution 2334 on Israel’s establishment of settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
Antony Blinken - CFR address
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address the Council on Foreign Relations think tank in New York.
CIA's Bill Burns - Doha visit
Monitoring developments from US side after CIA Director Bill Burns meets Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday in effort to bridge the remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas.
Call for Trudeau to resign
Developments as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to resign following the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland this week. Freeland criticized Trudeau's approach to handling President-elect Donald Trump’s tariffs threat.
EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels
Leaders from the EU and Western Balkan nations are gathering for a summit in Brussels. The meeting will focus on three key areas: reviewing Western Balkan states' progress toward EU membership, discussing the EU's comprehensive support for the region, and strengthening regional cooperation. The summit brings together the 27 EU member states and six Western Balkan nations—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.
European leaders, NATO chief to discuss Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to host a high-level meeting on Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Poland in attendance. The heads of the European Council and the European Commission are also expected to join the meeting to discuss continued military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia’s aggression.
France awaits new government formation
The French are waiting for new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou to form a new Cabinet after lawmakers toppled ex-Premier Michel Barnier and his government on Dec. 4 with a no-confidence vote. Bayrou has initiated discussions with various political parties, beginning on Monday, and has indicated his intention to establish the new Cabinet "in the coming days."
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.
Report on German arms exports
The church-based German non-governmental organization, Joint Conference Church and Development (GKKE), will present its annual report on German arms exports. The GKKE is a non-profit group of Protestant and Catholic churches in Germany that conducts research on peace and military conflict. In recent years the group criticized Germany’s arms exports to conflict and crisis regions.
Russia on developments in Syria
Moscow's reaction to ongoing developments in post-Assad regime Syria. Assad and his family have sought asylum in Russia. In his first statement since ouster, the former regime leader said he was evacuated to Russia from the Khmeimim base on Dec. 8 as it came under attack. Moscow says the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority, and it has established contacts with the new authorities in Syria.
Russia's reaction to EU's adoption of 15th sanctions package
Russia expected to respond to the EU's adoption of its 15th package of sanctions. The new set of sanctions aim to further limit Russia’s "ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine."
Russian Foreign Ministry's weekly press briefing
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold briefing on current foreign policy issues.
Situation in Georgia after suspension of EU accession talks, presidential election
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. A college of electors voted ex-footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as president on Saturday, but opposition parties assert Salome Zourabichvili, who was elected to the post back in 2018, is still the sole "legitimate representative of the state."
South Africa-Mozambique to hold bilateral talks, post-election crisis
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola will lead a South African delegation of Ministers to the border province of Mpumalanga for bilateral engagement with Mozambican ministers aimed at discussing the political crisis facing the country. Thousands of people have been protesting in Mozambique since late October following a dispute in the outcomes of the presidential election results. The National Election Commission (CNE) declared Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate for the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) as winner extending the party’s rule to more than a half-century.
Humanitarian agencies rush aid to Cyclone Chido victims in Mozambique
Humanitarian groups and officials in Mayotte, France’s overseas Island are expected to scale up delivery of food, water, and medical supplies to victims of Cyclone Chido, which has killed dozens with the death toll expected to rise. The powerful storm struck the Indian Ocean Island on Saturday, bringing torrential rains and winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour.) The storm has also left a spillover effect in Mozambique, where 34 people have died.
South Korean president defies summons to attend questioning over martial law
Developments after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defied summons from a joint investigation team from three departments to attend questioning over failed martial law. Yoon is facing accusations of treason, insurrection among other charges. The 63-year-old leader can also be arrested if prosecution deems fit.
Search, rescue missions on after earthquake leaves 6 dead in Vanuatu
Search and rescue missions are battling time to find people likely trapped under collapsed buildings after a strong earthquake of 7.3 magnitude hit the southern Pacific island nation on Tuesday. At least six people have died so far with huge damages to infrastructure including health facilities.
India, China to hold boundary talks
India and China to hold boundary talks in Beijing. China's top security adviser and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to host Indian national security advisor and special representative Ajit Doval to discuss the management of peace along the border areas.
THE ECONOMY
UK consumer inflation rate for November
Office for National Statistics to announce UK consumer inflation rate in November.
Market expects annual inflation rate to increase to 2.6% in November, from 2.3% in October. Consumer prices index is estimated to increase by 0.1% in November, easing from a 0.6% hike in the prior month.
Euro area consumer inflation rate for November
Eurostat to reveal eurozone November consumer inflation rate. In October consumer prices rose by 2% year-on-year and 0.3% month-on-month. Market expects prices to increase by 2.3% annually but to fall by 0.3% on a monthly basis.
Fed interest rate decision
The Federal Reserve is projected to lower rates by 25 basis points to 4.50%. The bank is expected to deliver 3 rate cuts next year. At its November meeting, the Fed trimmed the federal funds target range by 25 basis points, following a jumbo 50 basis point cut in September, as expected.
SPORTS
2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar
Real Madrid vs. Pachuca
Matchweek 16 of French Ligue 1
Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Round 16 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (Basketball)
Olympiacos vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna
Anadolu Efes vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade
SPECIAL REPORTS
Mozambique political crisis: Can South Africa, regional mediators break the deadlock?
Report on future expectations for Mozambique’s politics as unrest and protests continue since October’s disputed elections.
The story analyzes the reasons for the turmoil and explores the possibility of a breakthrough through the mediation role being taken up by regional actors such as South Africa, and previously, the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The report includes interviews with Rich Masimbye, a researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation, and Zimbabwean academic and author Ibbo Mandaza.
Where spirit meets structure: Ancient traditions of Russian village homes
Report on the centuries-old traditions and customs surrounding architecture in Russia and how they have evolved in modern times.
The story details the various beliefs in parts of the country regarding specific aspects of architecture, such as places considered ominous for building houses, the flow of spiritual energies, and other building rules.
The report includes an interview with Dmitry Mukhin, head of the exposition department at the Semenkovo Open Air Museum, who explains how architectural practices were steeped in tradition in the past and narrates their evolution over recent years.