Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Implications of Israel’s plan to fully occupy Gaza

The developments and updates on Israel’s plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip amid an escalating military campaign – a move that has sparked a wave of regional and global outrage.

Jordan to host trilateral meeting on Syria

A trilateral meeting will be hosted in Jordan with representatives from Syria and the US, aiming to discuss the evolving Syrian situation and coordinate reconstruction efforts. This gathering will also be centered on reinforcing the ceasefire in Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria. The participants are Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Head of Iran's top security body likely to visit Lebanon

Expected visit by Iran’s newly appointed Supreme National Security Council secretary, Ali Larijani, to Lebanon, his second tour after he visited Iraq on Monday. In Lebanon, he is expected to meet senior officials following the government’s approval of a plan to disarm Iran’s ally Hezbollah.

President Erdogan hosts Georgian counterpart

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to welcome his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Kavelashvili at the presidential complex, where they will discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. The leaders are expected to hold a news conference following the talks. This marks Kavelashvili's first official visit to Türkiye.

Terror-free Türkiye

Parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmus to chair National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission as the country explores a roadmap for a "terror-free Türkiye."

Heat waves, wildfires across Europe

Monitoring heat waves and forest fires across Europe, as some parts of the continent are still in the grip of extreme heat, while wildfires threaten tourist locations in southern Europe. More than 350,000 hectares have been burnt since the beginning of the year, with at least 1,478 fires detected so far, according to the European Forest Fires Information System.

⁠Armenia to host joint military drill with US

Armenia to host the Eagle Partner 2025 joint military exercise with the US starting on Aug. 12, and running through Aug. 20. Armenia’s Defense Ministry says participants include Armenian peacekeepers, US Army Europe/Africa, and the Kansas National Guard. The drills focus on peacekeeping operations, particularly medical evacuations.

National Guard to arrive in Washington, DC

As part of US President Donald Trump’s security crackdown in Washington, DC, National Guard troops may start arriving in the capital. Trump announced Monday that he was placing the DC police under direct federal control and will deploy the National Guard to the streets of Washington to fight crime.

UN official to brief reporters on Haiti

Ulrika Richardson, UN humanitarian coordinator for Haiti, will brief journalists on the situation in the impoverished Caribbean nation on Aug. 12. Port-au-Prince recently declared a three-month state of emergency over gang violence. On July 14, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of its political mission in the country to help maintain security and political progress.

Developments after US-China tariffs truce enters new phase

Monitoring developments as China-US tariffs truce enters new phase. The Trump administration had given Beijing Aug. 12 deadline to reach a trade deal, but the two sides have extended the pause for 3rd time, giving more time to each side for discussions.

South Korea’s ex-1st lady faces court

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee is attending Seoul Central District Court to face prosecution’s demand for her warrant over alleged election meddling. If a warrant is issued, it would make Kim and her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, the first presidential couple in South Korea to be detained at the same time.

THE ECONOMY

UK unemployment

The UK will announce its unemployment rate figures for June. In May, the rate was up to 4.7% from 4.6%.

Türkiye's current account

Turkish Central Bank to share current account balance figures for June. In May, the account posted a deficit of $684 million.

Germany's economic sentiment

The ZEW economic research center to release economic sentiment figures for Germany for August. In July, the sentiment improved 5.2 points to 52.7 month-on-month. ZEW will also share the economic sentiment figures for the eurozone.

US inflation

The US to announce consumer inflation figures for July. In June, the consumer price index (CPI) was up 2.7% annually and 0.3% monthly.

SPECIAL REPORTS

TIMELINE – Trump’s Russia stance: Swings between diplomacy and fury

Report tracing US President Donald Trump’s evolving position on Russia and his counterpart Vladimir Putin since taking office back in January.

The story charts how Trump began the year signaling openness to improved ties with Moscow, then adopted a tougher tone, voicing “disappointment” with Putin over unresolved disputes, before ultimately agreeing to hold an in-person summit.

The report also examines the political and strategic factors behind this shift and what it could mean for the upcoming US-Russia talks scheduled to be held in Alaska.

Islamophobia in focus as Toronto mayor faces backlash over Palestinian refugee greeting

Report on rising anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate in Canada after Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow deleted a social media video welcoming Palestinian refugees over safety concerns.

The story recounts how the video drew hundreds of Islamophobic comments, leading to its removal to protect the featured family. It also highlights the case of a Muslim couple in Toronto facing months of harassment, threats, and attempted break-ins tied to pro-Palestinian displays at their home.

The report includes comments from Fareed Khan of Canadians United Against Hate, who explains how anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian racism has surged to post-9/11 highs since the Gaza war began.