Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Situation in Sudan amid growing Rapid Support Forces attacks

Latest developments in Sudan point to a rapidly escalating conflict, as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify attacks, including a series of drone strikes on the strategic eastern city of Port Sudan.

The humanitarian situation is expected to deteriorate further amid repeated RSF attacks on critical infrastructure. Disruptions to fuel supplies, transportation, and communications are likely to hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential services, while risks to displaced populations and aid workers continue to grow.

The Sudanese Armed Forces are expected to intensify their military response, with possible operations in several regions, raising fears of broader territorial clashes and expanded civilian displacement.

Israeli strikes on Yemen trigger regional tension

The latest developments as Israeli warplanes strike Yemen’s Sanaa International Airport and key infrastructure sites, escalating tensions following a Houthi missile attack near Tel Aviv.

Houthi retaliation is expected in the form of further missile or drone attacks targeting Israeli and US assets, particularly in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, a worsening humanitarian situation is expected in Yemen as critical infrastructure damage hinders civilian movement.

Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis

The ongoing humanitarian emergency in the Gaza Strip continues to deepen, with nearly 2.4 million Palestinians facing severe shortages of food, clean water, electricity, and medical care amid a full Israeli blockade.

The humanitarian situation is expected to worsen significantly in the coming days, with children particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, dehydration, and disease amid collapsing health infrastructure. Without urgent humanitarian access, international agencies warn that Gaza could face a full-scale famine and uncontrolled disease outbreaks.

Germany's new chancellor to visit France and Poland

Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz will make his first foreign visits to France and Poland. Merz is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. During his election campaign, Merz emphasized his commitment to strengthening EU unity and enhancing foreign policy coordination among EU partners.

The visits will be monitored through statements, live stream, social media channels, and official sites.

EU foreign affairs ministers - informal meeting in Warsaw

EU counterparts meet for informal talks in the Polish capital. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to attend the meeting, where ministers are expected to discuss Ukraine, Gaza, and other regional and international issues.

Papal Conclave to choose new pope

The Papal Conclave to gather in Sistine Chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88. Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate.

Only one vote is possible on the opening day, with four votes taking place on subsequent days. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a Pope. Ballots are burned after they are counted, with black smoke indicating an inconclusive result, and white smoke indicating a Pope has been elected.

Macron, al-Sharaa to met in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron will host Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa on the Syrian leader’s first European visit.

Macron is expected to “reiterate France's support for the construction of a new Syria, a free, stable, sovereign Syria that respects all components of Syrian society," according to French presidency.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.

Starmer is likely to be asked questions about the peace talks to end Ukraine, as well as regional and international issues, including the latest situation in Gaza.

Reactions to Indian missile strikes on Pakistan

Monitoring for US reactions after India launches series of strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Trump to attend swearing-in ceremony for US ambassador to China

US President Donald Trump to participate in a swearing-in ceremony for US Ambassador to China David Perdue. The event is currently listed as closed press, but is likely to be opened to the pool.

US Treasury chief to appear before House Financial Services Committee

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to appear before the House Financial Services Committee at its annual hearing on the state of the international financial system. Hearing comes as Trump pursues global trade war while seeking to maintain the dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency.

Hearing to take place in a challenge brought by the American Civil Liberties Union to the Trump administration’s use of a 1798 law known as the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to Honduras and on to El Salvador.

Presidents of Haverford College, DePaul University and California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo to testify before the House Committee on Education and Workforce on antisemitism on college campuses. David Cole, a former director of the American Civil Liberties Union who is now a law professor at Georgetown University will also testify.

FBI Director Kash Patel appears before the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. Hearing follows the FBI’s arrest of a state judge on charges that she obstructed the arrest of a migrant.

UN Security Council to convene for a meeting on non-proliferation and North Korea.

Russian, Venezuelan presidents to meet

Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro in the capital Moscow.

The two leaders are expected to discuss measures to ensure stable trade and economic ties, including establishment of financial system and coordination at the oil markets.

Tensions run high after Indian military strikes on Pakistan

Latest developments after Pakistan’s army said Indian missile attacks on the country left at least 26 people dead and 46 others injured. India said it launched missile strikes targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, while Pakistan claims it has shot down five Indian fighter jets and warned it reserves the right to respond to Indian missile attack at a “time and place of its choosing.”

Chinese president arrives on official visit to Russia

Chinese President Xi Jinping to start his state visit to Russia, scheduled for May 7-10, with his arrival to the country's capital Moscow.

Xi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders intend to discuss advancing comprehensive partnership and strategic interactions, pressing international and regional issues.

Xi will also attend Moscow's Victory Day parade on May 9 as part of his visit.

South Korean ruling party in chaos ahead of snap presidential polls

South Korea’s ruling People Power Party is expected to announce new “united” candidate amid chaos as it had already elected former minister Kim Moon-soo to run for the snap presidential polls set for June 3.

The party is now in talks with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo who is expected to be the "sole" candidate, representing conservatives, to stand against Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung. Lee is leading in surveys.

THE ECONOMY

Germany’s factory orders

Germany’s Destatis will release factory orders data for March. Orders went up by 1.1% in February and market expects similar figure for March.

Eurozone retail sales

Eurostat will share retail sales figures for March. Retail sales dropped by 0.1% in February, and this slowdown may continue in March.

OECD inflation

The OECD will release inflation figures for its area.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Political will remains biggest hurdle to recovery, warns UN adviser on Gaza’s reconstruction

Report on the political and humanitarian roadblocks delaying Gaza’s reconstruction, with experts warning that rebuilding cannot begin without a durable ceasefire and Israeli cooperation.

The report includes interviews with Mamoun Bseiso, adviser to the UN on Gaza’s reconstruction, and Greater London Investment Fund chair David Prais, who stress the urgent need for political resolution, rejecting US plans for Gaza’s depopulation and supporting the Egypt-led reconstruction proposal that preserves Palestinian presence.

The experts also share details of the estimated costs and other essential assessments, while also highlighting the reasons for the continued delays and the implications for Palestinians trapped in Gaza.

Trump, the pope, and Türkiye: Russian artist Safronov shares stories behind his portraits

Interview with renowned Russian painter Nikas Safronov about his body of work, which includes portraits of world leaders such as US President Donald Trump.

Safronov recounts the creation of his portrait of Trump that was gifted to the Republican leader by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as his moving meeting with Pope Francis before his death, and his deep artistic ties to Türkiye.

The artist also shares details of his ongoing projects – including a portrait of Elon Musk – and conveys his admiration for Turkish leaders, landscapes, and culture.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interviews with Mamoun Bseiso, adviser to the UN on Gaza’s reconstruction, and Greater London Investment Fund chair David Prais about the political and humanitarian roadblocks delaying the Palestinian enclave’s reconstruction.