Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Restricted entry of aid into Gaza amid starvation

Limited entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip via the Rafah and Karam Shalom border crossings as Israel keeps restricting the required number of trucks to the besieged enclave – at least 500 daily. Food shortages have led to a rise in starvation deaths in recent days.

Mounting protests in Israel demanding Gaza hostage swap

More protests are expected in Israel to press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reach a Gaza prisoner exchange deal following widespread public and political reaction to a video released by Hamas showing Israeli captive Evyatar David in visibly frail condition, highlighting the impact of the blockade on Gaza.

Heat waves, wildfires across Europe

Heat waves and forest fires-related developments across Europe as some parts of the continent are still in the grip of extreme heat while wildfires threatening tourist locations in southern Europe. More than 200,000 hectares burnt since beginning of year with at least 1,250 fires detected so far according to European Forest Fires Information System.

Moldova to host 10-day military exercise involving US military

Moldova to host the Fire Shield 25 military exercise set to take place for 10 days, starting Aug. 4. Fire Shield is an annual exercise between the Moldovan National Army and the North Carolina National Guard, with this year's iteration of the exercise expected to focus on enhancing staff processes and building readiness, among other matters. The exercise will also include personnel from the Romanian military and the US Army Europe and Africa.

Thai-Cambodia border meeting in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur hosts border meeting between Thailand and Cambodia following five days of armed conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors which ended with a ceasefire on July 28. The meeting will continue until Thursday in hopes of solving the border dispute.

THE ECONOMY

Inflation in Türkiye

TurkStat to release monthly CPI figures for July. In June, the inflation eased to 35.05% annually and 1.37% monthly.

US factory orders

US to release monthly factory orders for June. In May, the orders were up 8.2% on a monthly basis.

SPECIAL REPORTS

1 year on: Bangladesh rebalances foreign policy after Hasina’s exit

Report examining how Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus is recalibrating its foreign policy one year after Sheikh Hasina’s fall.

The story outlines a shift in Dhaka’s geopolitical posture, with weakened ties to India and growing partnerships with China and Pakistan. It explains how relations with Washington have also improved, aided by Yunus’ prior ties to the Democratic establishment.

The report includes comments from Thomas Kean, International Crisis Group’s senior consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh; Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations; and Mubashar Hasan, adjunct research fellow at the Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative of Western Sydney University.

EXPLAINER – Türkiye’s defense sector emerges as key in Europe’s rearming

Report detailing Türkiye’s emergence as a major defense supplier amid Europe’s shifting security landscape and rising demand for diversified military partnerships.

The story traces how Türkiye’s defense exports have surged over the past few years, making it the world’s 11th largest arms exporter, with a particular focus on supplies to European nations. It details the various factors, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and questions over US presence in Europe, that are pushing European countries to Türkiye for battle-proven systems and faster delivery.

The report presents an overview of key partnerships struck up by Turkish firms, including UAV co-production deals with Italy, artillery shell manufacturing with Germany, naval support vessels for Portugal, and defense technology projects across the Balkans.