Diary

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

MIDDLE EAST

Netanyahu to convene Security Cabinet amid reported push for full Gaza occupation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to convene the Security Cabinet on Thursday at his office in Jerusalem. The body is expected to approve a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip despite warnings from Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir and other army officials against such a move.

Lebanese Cabinet resumption of talks on US‑proposed disarmament plan

Developments in the Lebanese Cabinet’s planned resumption of talks Thursday, which started Tuesday, on a US‑proposed disarmament plan aimed at confining weapons to state‑authorized forces.

Sudanese prime minister to visit Cairo

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris scheduled to travel to Egypt on Thursday in his first official foreign visit since taking office at the head of the army-led government. Idris is set to meet his Egyptian counterpart, Mostafa Madbouly, to discuss developments in the Sudanese war, the current political situation, and efforts to rebuild areas affected by the conflict, which started in April 2023.

US

Trump to sign executive orders, deliver remarks

US president to sign executive orders and deliver remarks on current issues.

US tariffs take effect worldwide

Day one of Trump’s higher “reciprocal” tariffs, affecting more than 90 countries worldwide after they take effect, excluding Canada, China, and Mexico, which are subject to separate measures.

UN Security Council meeting on West Africa

UN secretary-general to report to the Security Council on the activities of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The council will later hold closed consultations on UNOWAS and other matters.

EURASIA

Russian president to meet UAE counterpart in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with his visiting Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who will be embarking on an official visit to Moscow. Putin and the Emirati president are expected to discuss the current state and future prospects for cooperation between Russia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as some pressing international matters, including the situation in the Middle East. Eurasia desk to follow the talks and developments surrounding the Emirati president's visit to Russia via official statements, media reports, and live broadcast, if available.

AFRICA

Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda expected to hold joint security coordination mechanism meeting in Ethiopia

Officials of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to meet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss joint security coordination mechanism set out in June peace deal signed in Washington. June 27 agreement calls for a cessation of hostilities between the two neighbors amid an M23 rebel offensive in eastern Congo.

ASIA-PACIFIC

Cambodian, Thai defense chiefs meet in Malaysia on border dispute

Cambodian and Thai defense chiefs meeting in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur over border dispute, which last month saw tensions escalate into armed conflict, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. The two sides are expected to issue a joint statement following their General Border Committee meeting. Officials from the US, China, and Malaysia will attend as observers.

Trump tariffs hit Asia

Tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump take effect worldwide, including on Asian nations. The tariffs vary country by country, with Indonesia and Pakistan facing a 19% tariff and Singapore getting a lower 10% rate while India faces 50% levies.

Pyongyang likely to react to Seoul removing propaganda loudspeakers along inter-Korean border

North Korea is likely to react to South Korea’s move to completely remove propaganda loudspeakers installed along the inter-Korean border. Seoul aims to reduce inter-Korean tensions, rebuild trust, and restore dialogue.

TÜRKİYE

Turkish president to meet Senegalese prime minister

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to welcome Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko with an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, and to attend signing ceremony of agreements following bilateral and delegation-level talks. Erdogan also set to attend an official dinner following joint press conference with Sonko.

THE ECONOMY

China's foreign trade

China to announce monthly foreign trade statistics for July. In July, Beijing posted a foreign trade surplus of $114.7B.

Germany's foreign trade

German statistics office Destatis to share foreign trade statistics for June. In May, Germany saw a foreign trade surplus of $21.5 billon. Destatis will also share industrial production figures for June.

UK interest rate decision

Bank of England to announce its interest rate decision. At its last meeting, the bank held the policy rate unchanged at 4.25%.

US initial jobless claims

US to release initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, claims were up 1,000 to 218,000.

Turkish Treasury's cash balance

Türkiye's Treasury to share its cash balance for July. In June, the Treasury saw a deficit of $11.2B.

OECD household income

Paris-based economic organization to release real household income growth figures for its area.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Recognition to reality: What could a Palestinian state mean?

Report examining the significance and potential implications of growing announcements from countries about plans to officially recognize a Palestinian state.

The story traces the history of Palestine’s recognition and how it impacted global efforts to resolve the persisting conflict. It also explores whether these steps could lead to a renewed push for a two-state solution, and if so, how that process could move forward.

Report includes comments from experts including Victor Kattan, assistant professor at the University of Nottingham’s School of Law.

Decoding the buzz: Inside Russia’s mysterious radio station

Explainer uncovering story behind Russia’s long-running mystery radio station UVB-76, known as the “Buzzer.”

Report explores the station’s decades-long transmissions on 4625 kHz – a monotonous buzz interrupted at times by code words, sparking theories ranging from espionage to nuclear command systems.

It lays out the various theories floated about the radio station, including speculation that it is tied to Russia’s Perimeter nuclear system, with insights from experts including Russian historian Maxim Vilkov.​​​​​​​