Diary

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

Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza

Developments surrounding the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aims to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza, as organizers confirmed the sailing has been postponed to Friday or Saturday due to logistical reasons.

Gaza reels under expanding Israeli assault

Humanitarian and field conditions as the Israeli army pushes to occupy Gaza City, demolishing high-rise residential towers and deepening civilian suffering, amid reports that Israel’s security Cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss expanding the war and advancing the occupation.

Israel, Houthis retaliatory strikes

Military attacks between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi group, with Israeli strikes targeting Houthi positions and the group responding with drones and missiles.

Marco Rubio to host Qatari prime minister

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Adulrahman Al Thani in the White House, who on Thursday was in New York for an emergency UN Security Council meeting on the recent Israeli airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Qatari capital Doha.

Trump to speak in TV interview

US President Donald Trump will speak in a television interview on broadcaster Fox News’ Fox and Friends program.

Guterres to deliver remarks at International Peace Day event

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will speak at a UN Peace Bell Ceremony marking the 44th anniversary of the International Day of Peace.

UN Security Council to discuss Middle East

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will present his reports on Sudan and South Sudan to the UN Security Council, followed by a council meeting on the Middle East.

UN General Assembly to discuss 2-state solution resolution

The UN General Assembly holds a plenary meeting, including on a resolution from earlier this year about the implementation of a two-state solution to peacefully resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

UN agencies' briefing in Geneva

The UN Information Service holds a biweekly press briefing for UN bodies, providing updates from UN agencies on the most pressing issues around the world. The latest updates from Gaza are expected to top the agenda.

Russia, Belarus to hold joint military exercises

Moscow and Minsk to start the Zapad-2025 military exercises on Belarusian territory, focused on improving coordination between military forces of the two allied countries. The drill engages some 13,000 soldiers.

Russian Foreign Ministry to hold weekly press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing in Moscow on current issues of foreign policy.

Pakistani president starts 10-day China visit

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari kicks off a 10-day trip to China, where he is scheduled to visit Chengdu, Shanghai and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region, and hold meetings with Chinese leadership with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation, as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China’s top diplomat kicks off 3-nation Europe tour with 1st stop in Austria

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi kicks off his 3-nation tour of Europe with his first stop in Austria. Wang will travel to Slovenia and Poland after official meetings in Vienna. During his trip, Wang is scheduled to discuss bilateral ties besides China's relations with the EU. US tariffs, Israeli war on Gaza, as well as Ukraine crisis, are also expected to be discussed.

Nepal’s political landscape after days of deadly protests

Monitoring Nepal’s political landscape after the death toll from violent protests since early this week has jumped to 34. Over 1,368 others have been injured. The landlocked Himalayan nation is expected to name an interim administration before any elections are held.

South Korean workers detained in US return home

More than 300 South Koreans return home after being released by the US following a week-long detention by immigration authorities. The workers were arrested in a raid at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site run by Hyundai and LG in Georgia last week, triggering concerns over South Korean investments into the US.

THE ECONOMY

UK economic growth

UK to announce gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures for July. In June, the British economy grew 0.4% month-on-month.

German inflation

Destatis to release final consumer inflation figures for August. Preliminary estimates showed that the annual inflation rose to 2.2% in August.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Qatar attack and beyond: What does Israel want?

Report on Israel’s objectives following the attack on Hamas officials in Qatar, as the Netanyahu government presses on with its genocidal war on Gaza despite mounting international pressure.

The story examines how Israel’s unfettered aggression signals a closing of doors to negotiations, with analysts warning it reflects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy of political survival by prolonging the war on Gaza. Experts also point to the Israeli aim of forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the risk of strained relations with Egypt, and more Israeli escalation in the occupied West Bank

The report features analysis from Ahron Bregman, a political scientist and former Israeli military officer; Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at King’s College London; and geopolitical analyst Ryan Bohl.

As investments raise hope, how can Syria navigate economic revival?

Report on Syria’s steps toward economic recovery as foreign investment pledges worth around $50 billion fuel cautious optimism.

The story explains how Damascus is pivoting toward a liberal, market-oriented model, lifting tariffs and subsidies to attract capital, while experts highlight issues to be tackled, such as fragile security and weak infrastructure.

The report includes insights from senior research analyst Benjamin Feve on what strategic sectors Syria needs to prioritize, the need for social safety nets, and international partnerships to rebuild electricity and infrastructure.

3,000 years later, Hittite cuisine returns to Anatolia’s kitchens

Report on the revival of 3,000-year-old Hittite culinary traditions in modern Türkiye, led by Chef Necati Yilmaz, who serves historically faithful dishes inspired by the ancient Anatolian empire.

The story gives an insight into the recipes unearthed at the former Hittite capital of Corum, with Yilmaz speaking about his inspirations and how his menu features wheat-based breads, seasonal ingredients, and plating modeled on Hittite-era pottery.

The report also has insights from gastronomy lecturer Munevver Kaya, who explains what archaeological finds, including 23,000 cuneiform tablets, have revealed about the Hittites’ deep culinary culture.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Report on the revival of 3,000-year-old Hittite culinary traditions in modern Türkiye, led by Chef Necati Yilmaz, who serves historically faithful dishes inspired by the ancient Anatolian empire.