Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

MIDDLE EAST

Regional reaction to 3rd round of US-Iran talks in Geneva

Regional reactions and statements, including from Iran, on third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US, set for Thursday in Geneva, amid growing concerns over potential military confrontation with Iran, amid US military buildup in region and Israel remains on heightened alert. (English / MENA team from Istanbul / possible flashes, stories)

⁠Developments in Sudan amid UN call for ceasefire between army and RSF

Field and humanitarian developments in Sudan in light of UN Security Council call for an immediate halt to fighting in Sudan and condemnation of Rapid Support Forces attacks on civilians. (English / MENA team from Istanbul / possible flashes, stories)

Indian prime minister concluding visit to Israel

Second and final day of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, with the two sides expected to sign a series of economic, security and diplomatic agreements. (English / MENA team from Istanbul / possible flashes, stories)⁠

THE AMERICAS

Netflix CEO to hold White House meetings

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expected at White House as company’s bid for Warner Bros. Discovery faces rival offer from Paramount and heightened political pressure from President Donald Trump, who has publicly demanded the removal of board member Susan Rice. While the meeting is not currently listed on Trump’s schedule, the president is due to have a private meeting.

US probe after Cuba says its forces killed 4 alleged infiltrators on Florida-registered boat

Monitoring developments after Cuba said its forces shot and killed four people trying to infiltrate its territorial waters on US-registered speedboat. Incident triggered investigation by authorities in US state of Florida.

EUROPE

US-Ukraine talks in Geneva

Talks between Ukraine and the US set to take place in Geneva following last week’s trilateral meeting. Meeting will be covered with announcements.

US-Iran talks in Geneva

Iran and the US to hold another round of talks over Tehran's nuclear program after last week’s meeting in Geneva.

NATO chief meets Lithuanian premier

Secretary General Mark Rutte to meet with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene in Brussels and afterwards hold press conference on European security

EU to hold high-level event on Eastern Border Regions

European Commission to launch annual high-level dialogue on how EU actions support the resilience and development of eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. A declaration establishing the EastInvest Facility will be signed by financial institutions, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to deliver a speech.

EURASIA

Moscow to host meeting of Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus

Moscow to host meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Meeting is expected to touch on bilateral issues and joint foreign policy issues. Eurasia Desk will follow developments via live broadcast, when available.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold weekly press briefing in Moscow. Eurasia Desk will follow event via live broadcast, while Turkish wire is scheduled to take part by asking the following question: The UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. How does Moscow assess the resolution and the way the US abstained from the vote on it?

Developments amid meeting between Ukrainian, US delegations in Geneva

Developments in Ukraine as Ukrainian and US officials are set to meet in Geneva, Switzerland. Talks will revolve around recovery package for Kyiv and preparations for meeting between Russian and Ukrainian presidents. Eurasia Desk will follow developments via official statements and media reports.

Serbian president due in Kazakhstan for official visit

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic due in Kazakhstan's capital Astana for two-day official visit. Vucic is set to meet Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and discuss prospects for developing bilateral relations. Agreements to boost cooperation may be signed. Eurasia Desk will follow developments via official statements and media reports.

EU envoy for sanctions to visit Kyrgyzstan

EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan due in Kyrgyzstan on an official visit. Visit taking place amid reports that the European Commission is pushing to ban exports of machine tools and certain radio equipment to Kyrgyzstan, arguing they may help Russia amid ongoing Ukraine war. O’Sullivan may meet President Sadyr Japarov. Eurasia Desk will follow developments via official statements and media reports.

Azerbaijan marks 34th anniversary of Khojaly massacre

Azerbaijan to mark 34th anniversary of 1992 Khojaly massacre. Commemorative events are expected, with President Ilham Aliyev also due to speak. Eurasia Desk will follow developments via official statements and media reports.

ASIA-PACIFIC

Canadian Premier Carney to start Asia tour with 1st stop in India

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to start 3-nation tour of Asia with official visit to India. Trip is seen as a reset after ties with India deteriorated under last Canadian administration. Trade, energy, technology, and defense will be discussed.

German Chancellor Merz continues China trip

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues his maiden 2-day trip to China where he met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. The two sides vowed to boost ties, emphasizing openness, dialogue, and reliability.

THE ECONOMY

Turkish foreign trade

TurkStat to release monthly foreign trade data for January. Last December, Türkiye's foreign trade posted a deficit of $8.4B.

US jobless claims

US to post weekly initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the claims were down 23,000 to 206,000.

Turkish economic confidence

TurkStat to announce monthly economic confidence index data for February. In January, the index stood at 99.4 points.

SPECIAL REPORTS

In first for Belgium, Ghent lights up streets for Ramadan

Report on Belgian city of Ghent illuminating two major shopping streets with Ramadan lights, a national first symbolizing growing visibility and inclusion for Muslim communities.

Story explores how the initiative, led by the Association of Ghent Mosques (VGM) in partnership with local merchants, transformed busy commercial corridors into festive spaces for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. It explains how the project has encouraged conversations about Islamic traditions and fostered intercommunal dialogue in the multicultural Brugse Poort and Rabot districts.

Report features comments from VGM Co-Chair Mohamed Abd El Motleb Omar and local residents highlighting initiative’s role in promoting belonging, intercultural understanding, and social cohesion.

Billions at stake as US tariff ruling sparks refund fight

Report examining fallout from US Supreme Court ruling limiting President Donald Trump’s tariff authority, raising questions about reimbursement of billions of dollars already collected in duties.

Story explores how decision has created significant uncertainty for importers, retailers, and manufacturers, who may be eligible for large refunds but face unclear timelines, eligibility rules, and administrative hurdles. Economists warn unprecedented claims process could take years, requiring extensive documentation and legal verification, while fiscal burden would likely be financed through additional Treasury borrowing.

Report features analysis from Max Gillman of the University of Missouri and Charles Calomiris of Columbia Business School on refund mechanics, market volatility, and trade policy implications.

Kashmir’s ‘Baand Pather’ theater struggles to survive

Report on decline of Baand Pather, Kashmir’s centuries-old folk theatre tradition, once a powerful medium of satire and social critique but now facing marginalization and cultural erosion.

Story explores how the performance form – blending music, dance, humor, and political commentary – historically gave voice to ordinary people and challenged injustice in open village spaces. It explains how political turmoil, shrinking public spaces, urbanization, loss of patronage, and competition from modern entertainment have pushed the tradition to the brink of extinction, with only a handful of artist communities remaining.

Report features seventh-generation performer Manzoor-ul-Haq and cultural experts including Abdul Ahad and Rayees Ahmad Bhat, who warn of stigma, identity crisis and institutional neglect threatening the art form, while stressing its historical importance and the urgent need to preserve Kashmir’s oldest theatrical voice.