Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Lebanon awaits presidential election session amid political uncertainty

The Lebanese Parliament is scheduled to convene on Jan. 9 to elect a new president to replace Michel Aoun, who left office in October 2022.

A candidate needs two-thirds of the vote, or 86 lawmakers, to make it through the first stage. An absolute majority is needed in subsequent rounds.

Lebanon is witnessing intense international diplomatic activity, on the eve of a general parliamentary session to elect a new president. Currently in Beirut are the Saudi envoy to Lebanon, Yazid bin Farhan, the French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, and US envoy Amos Hochstein.

Developments in Syria under new administration

Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new administration following the overthrow of the Baathist regime.

On Wednesday, the leader of Syria’s new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, met in Damascus with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdul Latif Al-Zayani, marking the first official meeting between the two sides.

More Arab and international officials' political and diplomatic visits in Damascus and their meetings with Syrian officials.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Israel continues its relentless genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, disregarding international calls to end hostilities and address the severe hardships endured by millions under constant attacks and a devastating blockade amid heavy rainstorms.

On Wednesday, at least five Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, the Civil Defense Agency said.

The Israeli army killed seven Palestinians in an airstrike on Tuesday night, targeting their tent in an area designated by Israel as a "safe humanitarian zone" in the southern Gaza Strip.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to over 45,900, with nearly 109,300 others injured, the Gaza media office said Sunday.

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

The ongoing Israeli military operations, displacement, and blockade in northern Gaza which resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences for thousands of Palestinians trapped in the areas since Oct. 5 and claimed the lives of more than 4,800 people.

On Wednesday, four Palestinians were killed, and others injured as Israeli warplanes targeted Halawa School, which was sheltering displaced people in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

Gaza cease-fire talks

Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer's meeting with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Florida to discuss the prisoner exchange deal. Witkoff expected to join the talks on the agreement in Doha.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Over one month 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 Wednesday, an Israeli tank shell hit the residence of Bin Jbeil mayor in southern Lebanon, the state news agency NNA said.

Israeli soldiers armed with machine guns launched a search operation in Maroun El Ras in southern Lebanon, the broadcaster said.

Military vehicles were also seen moving on the outskirts of Maroun El Ras as reconnaissance drones flew over Lebanese airspace, NNA said.

According to Lebanese media, Israeli army forces abducted six Syrian nationals in the town of Mess El Jabal before releasing three of them. The released three Syrians were later stopped by the Lebanese intelligence agents for questioning, NNA said.

Israel had committed over 400 violations of the cease-fire agreement, resulting in 32 deaths and 39 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.

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.

On Wednesday, at least three Palestinians, including two children, were killed in an Israeli drone strike in the occupied West Bank, local media said.

Israel has killed at least 847 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 and Houthi-Israel attacks

Red Sea tensions and the exchange of attacks between Israel and the US-UK coalition on one side and Yemen’s Houthi group on the other side, which intensified its attacks on Israeli military targets along with hitting Israeli cargo ships or those associated with Tel Aviv in the Red Sea.

On Wednesday, US forces targeted two underground facilities storing advanced conventional weapons in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to a statement issued by the US Central Command on X.

Backlash to Israeli map claiming ‘historical territorial rights’ for Israel

More international and regional backlash as Israeli accounts published map claiming that parts of Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon are part of Israeli territory.

On Wednesday, Qatar and the UAE strongly condemned the publication of an Israeli map claiming "historical territorial rights" for Israel in Palestine and large parts of Arab countries.

Italian Premier Meloni - annual press conference in Rome

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to hold press conference, which traditionally takes place in December. She is expected to cover national and international issues in the conference.

Ukraine - Ramstein contact group meeting

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown chair meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Austin and Brown are expected to hold press conferences. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also attend the meeting.

Syria - Rome talks, with participation of US Secretary of State Blinken

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has invited Quint counterparts for talks on Syria. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed plans to attend following his visit to Italy. Other Quint members are France, the UK, and Germany. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has also been invited.

German far-right AfD leader discussion with Elon Musk

Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to participate in a live discussion with Elon Musk on X. The talk will focus on topics including migration policy, energy transition, and economic issues. Musk, a top adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump, has recently endorsed the AfD, and criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calling him a “fool,” and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accusing him to be an “undemocratic tyrant.”

NHS England key services performance data - monthly publication

NHS England publishes seven monthly datasets covering its most important areas of care: A&E, Referral to Treatment Times, cancer, diagnostics, ambulances, NHS111, and delayed transfers of care. The data will include emergency services waiting times, which vary across the country, and go up as long as 8 hours at times.

Turkish foreign minister's working visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will continue his contacts as part of his working visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight near Kazakh city of Aktau

In the continuing investigation of the Dec. 25 Azerbaijan Airlines flight crash in Kazakhstan, killing 67 people, the definitive reasons behind the incident remain unclear, while senior Azerbaijani officials confirmed to Anadolu media reports suggesting the plane was struck by a Russian air defense system. Kazakhstan said the black boxes found in the crash site had been sent to Brazil for decoding.

Russia on developments in Syria

Moscow's reaction to developments in post-Assad regime Syria. Assad and his family have received asylum in Russia, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying he plans to meet with the ousted leader. Moscow says the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority, and it has established contacts with new authorities in Syria.

Putin to hold meeting with government members

Russian President Putin to hold a meeting with government officials via videoconference. The meeting will focus mainly on the launch of new national projects, according to a Kremlin statement, during which Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak will present a report to the Russian president. It further said that a number of current issues will also be discussed.

Former US President Jimmy Carter - state funeral

State funeral is held for former US President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. Attendees include President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, who are expected to be joined by all other living former presidents.

Los Angeles wildfires

Developments regarding the fierce wildfires fueled by severe windstorms and dry conditions spread rapidly across parts of north and northwest of Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Trump hush money sentencing - response due

A response from Manhattan prosecutors to President-elect Donald Trump's last-ditch effort to have Friday's sentencing in the hush money case is due Thursday morning.

UN Security Council - Libya discussed

UN Security Council members to meet for consultations on the UN Support Mission in Libya. Key remarks from UN officials and member nations' representatives.

Americans detained in Venezuela

Developments after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said one of the two Americans who were arrested for plotting "terrorist" acts in the country was a senior FBI official and the other a military officer. In a televised speech, Maduro blamed the US' Biden administration for orchestrating these actions.

Gang violence in Haiti

Monitoring situation in Haiti where more than 5,600 people were killed and thousands more injured or kidnapped in 2024 due to soaring levels of gang violence, according to the UN.

Developments after exchange of gunfire near presidency in Chad

Developments and statements after heavy exchange of gunfire near presidency in the African nation of Chad. Government said it neutralized an attempt aimed at destabilization, following a heavy exchange of gunfire near the presidential palace in the capital N'Djamena on Wednesday night.

Mozambique’s exiled opposition leader expected to return to the country

Mozambique's opposition presidential candidate, Venancio Mondlane, who has been out of the country since late October is expected to return home. Mondlane fled in October for security reasons and has been urging supporters to protest over alleged election fraud. Mozambique has been gripped by violent protests for nearly two months since the electoral authority declared 47-year-old Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo the winner of the Oct. 9 presidential elections with 71% of the vote, defeating Mondlane, who received 20%. Mondlane insists he won the polls. About 300 people have died since the protests started in the country, with most deaths caused by gunfire from security personnel, according to civil society groups.

Mandela’s grandson expected to appear in court over hijacking, unlicensed firearm

Five people, including a grandson to South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela, are expected to appear in court for alleged hijacking and possession of an unlicensed firearm. They were arrested Wednesday by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department at the home of the former global icon in Houghton estate, Johannesburg where a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm was recovered.

Africa’s public health body to hold briefing

The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to address reporters on the latest regarding the mpox disease outbreak on the continent and efforts to roll out vaccinations. They are expected to comment on Africa’s preparedness should the fresh outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China reach the continent.

Developments as police chase South Korea’s impeached president

South Korean police is chasing impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to detain him for questioning over his short-lived imposition of martial law. It remains unknown where Yoon is currently staying after rumors spread, he had his official residence in the capital Seoul. Presidential office, however, has dismissed such rumors.

Relief operations continue after Tibet earthquake killed 126, displaces thousands

China is engaged in intense relief and rehabilitation operations in southern Tibet region after a powerful 6.8 magnitude killed 126 people and displaced close to 50,000 people. Soldiers besides more than 14,000 search and rescue personnel were deployed amid freezing temperatures to look for any survivors.

Japanese premier embarks on 2-nation tour of Malaysia, Indonesia

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba embarks on two-nation tour of Malaysia and Indonesia until Jan. 12. The visit to two Southeast Asian nations aims to deepen bilateral cooperation. It also assumes significance as Malaysia this year leads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Japan braces for heavy snowfall

Japan is bracing for heavy snowfall in regions along the Sea of Japan coast on the country's main island of Honshu, according to the country’s weather agency. It warned of potential disruptions to road and rail traffic and urged people to avoid nonessential outings.

Vietnamese premier to visit Laos

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Laos to meet with Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone. During his visit, the two premiers will co-chair the Vietnam-Laos inter-governmental committee.

Indonesian president on working visit to Malaysia

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto is on a one-day working visit to Malaysia where he will hold talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

THE ECONOMY

China inflation rate for December

China’s annual inflation rate unexpectedly slowed to 0.2% in November 2024, below market forecasts and marking the lowest figure since last June. On a monthly basis, consumer prices fell 0.6%, the sharpest decrease since March.

Germany trade balance, industrial production for November

In October, Germany's foreign trade surplus decreased to €13.4 billion. The figure projected to increase to €14.7 in November. Germany’s industrial output surprisingly fell in October by 1% compared to a month ago, easing from September's upwardly revised 2% decline. The figure returned to growth in November, up 0.5%.

Eurozone retail sales for November

After three consecutive months of growth, Eurozone retail sales declined by 0.5% in October. Market expects a 0.3% growth in November's figure.

OECD area inflation rate for November

In October, annual inflation in the OECD rose to 4.5% from 4.4% in September after four consecutive months of decline.

SPORTS

Spanish Super Cup semifinals (Football)

Real Madrid vs. Mallorca

2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia (Off-road endurance)

Dakar Rally's fifth stage to be run between oasis city Alula and Hail in Saudi Arabia

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 20 (Basketball)

Fenerbahce Beko vs. ALBA Berlin

Monaco vs. Barcelona

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

SPECIAL REPORTS

Could ‘off the wall’ Elon Musk undermine UK sovereignty?

Report on Elon Musk’s escalating interventions in British politics, which have sparked a firestorm of concerns and criticism for their divisive and factually dubious nature.

The story gives details of Musk’s claims, laying out how he has been fanning support for far-right figures and attacking the Labour government, while exploring the possible implications of his actions on UK politics and the country’s relations with traditional ally US.

It includes interviews with Alan West, a Labour peer in the House of Lords and former British naval chief; veteran British journalist Peter Oborne; and Rob Ford, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester.

US has power to halt all military aid to Israel, health care workers tell Congress

Members of the Doctors Against Genocide group called for action during their visits to Congress on Wednesday. They urged the US to halt aid to Israel, restore healthcare services in Gaza, and secure the release of their colleagues detained by Israeli forces in Gaza. Our interview features three doctors speaking on the matter.

EXPLAINER - China’s mega Tibet dam exposes regional faultlines

Report on heightened geopolitical tensions over China’s plan to build a hydropower dam in Tibet on the Yarlung Zangbo River which flows into India and Bangladesh.

The story gives details of the project, the concerns raised by China, India and Bangladesh, and lays out an assessment of how the issue could be addressed by the related parties.

The report also compiles statements from ministries and officials of all three countries, and has interviews with Indian political analyst Suvojit Bagchi and Mohammad Zakaria, a geopolitical expert based in Bangladesh.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with Alan West, a House of Lords member and former British naval chief, and University of Manchester academic Rob Ford about Elon Musk’s antagonistic moves related to UK politics and their potential implications.