Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠Situation in war-torn Gaza amid Israeli reservist mobilization

The field developments in Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis as Israel began mobilizing thousands of reservists to take part in its planned occupation of Gaza City, signaling a major escalation in the genocidal war now in its 23rd month.

⁠Iraqi prime minister pays 2-day official visit to Oman

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is scheduled to head to the Omani capital Muscat on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to discuss bilateral relations and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Sudan’s Darfur landslide disaster updates

Updates on the landslide disaster in the town of Tarsin, Central Darfur State, western Sudan, which has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people following heavy rainfall in the area.

⁠Sumud flotilla resails to Gaza

Developments of the Sumud flotilla’s late Monday departure from Barcelona carrying activists and humanitarian aid to Gaza after a weather-forced return a day earlier.

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 with MPs expected to press the premier on Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in Gaza along with other domestic and international issues.

UK, Spanish premiers meet in London

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez in London to discuss illegal migration, trade, and defense. The two leaders also expected to hold talks on recent agreement between the EU and the UK on Gibraltar.

EU’s Costa visits Austria

European Council President Antonio Costa continues his three-week tour of EU capitals, meeting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna to discuss political priorities and cooperation.

NATO’s Rutte meets Estonian president

NATO chief Mark Rutte will meet with Estonian President Alar Karis at NATO headquarters in Brussels, with the two leaders scheduled to hold joint press conference.

Polish president to visit White House for talks with Trump

US President Donald Trump will host his newly elected Polish counterpart Karol Nawrocki at the White House for the first time. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting, followed by a closed-door lunch, with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the efforts to end it expected to top the agenda.

Rubio to hold high-level contacts in Mexico

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on his second day in a two-stop Latin America tour, set to be received by President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City, followed by a meeting with Foreign Minister Juan Ramon.

US congressmen to hold news conference with Epstein survivors

California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie will speak to reporters about their Epstein Files Transparency Bill and provide updates on their discharge petition to force a vote on the bill. They will be joined by survivors of abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Developments amid Putin's 4-day visit to China

Developments on the part of Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking part in the major Chinese military parade in Beijing. The Russian president may hold bilateral talks as part of his visit, and give remarks on the results of his visit.

China holds military parade to commemorate end of World War II

China holds military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on the occasion of 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. 26 foreign leaders are attending the event, including Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who is attending any multilateral event for the first time since assuming power in 2011.

Top German diplomat on India visit

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul holds talks with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. The sides are expected to discuss bilateral ties, trade relations, and cooperation.

Pakistan struggles to cope with catastrophic floods

Developments as Pakistan struggles to cope with the catastrophic floods that have affected over 2 million people, in addition to killing 87 people and triggering evacuation of nearly 1 million people over the past one week. Indian Punjab has also been affected by the floods.

Afghans battle earthquake aftermath

Developments as search for likely survivors enters 3rd day after 6 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, killing more than 1,400 people. The devastating earthquake has injured nearly 3,300 people and destroyed 8,000 houses in four provinces.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s inflation

The Turkish Statistical Institute to announce consumer prices index for August. It was at 33.5% in July but an Anadolu survey predicts that annual inflation rate to drop 32.6% in August.

US factory orders

US will announce factory orders data for July. In June, orders contracted by 4.8% on a monthly basis and another decline is expected for the month of July.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Blocking statute’: EU faces test over shielding ICC from US sanctions

Report examining whether the EU could invoke its “blocking statute” to shield International Criminal Court (ICC) officials after the US sanctioned judges and prosecutors over arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.

The story explains the provisions of the statute and how it could be used in this particular instance, while also detailing the process and the potential hurdles in the legislative and implementation procedure. It also has insights from legal experts warning that by failing to act, the EU risks reducing its support for international justice to “empty rhetoric.”

The report includes comments from Sergey Vasiliev, a professor of international law, and Luigi Daniele, an associate professor in international law at the University of Molise.

INTERVIEW - ‘I learned my power’: Turkish woman recounts trailblazing K2 summit

Interview with Esin Handal, one of the first Turkish women to summit K2, the world’s second-highest and most dangerous mountain.

Handal, a veteran climber, recounts the extreme mental and physical challenges she faced while climbing the “savage mountain,” and reflects on the loss of fellow climbers, the limited resources throughout her journey, and other hurdles she overcame during the expedition.

She also speaks about her future plans and objectives, which include climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, and shares her hopes of inspiring more women to pursue the sport.​​​​​​​

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Esin Handal, one of the first Turkish women to summit K2, about her remarkable expedition, including the mental and physical challenges, and her hopes of inspiring more women to pursue the sport.