ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, July 18, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Security situation in southern Syria
Developments in the security situation in southern Syria after the Interior Ministry announced a ceasefire agreement in Suwayda after clashes between armed Druze and Bedouin groups. The part came as Israel struck Suwayda, Daraa, and the capital Damascus.
The situation remains uncertain as “outlaw groups” committed violations against Bedouin families in rural Suwayda, forcibly displacing them, according to official Syrian media.
Reactions to Israel targeting church in Gaza
More international and regional reactions to Israel’s striking of the Holy Family Church in Zaytoun, eastern Gaza City, killing three Palestinians and injuring several others amid ongoing genocide. Among the wounded was Father Gabriel Romanelli, the church’s parish priest.
Trump to sign US’ first major national cryptocurrency legislation into law
US President Donald Trump to attend signing ceremony for the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, the country’s first major national cryptocurrency legislation. It was one of the three major cryptocurrency bills passed in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Hegseth to host Israeli defense minister
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to host Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz at the Pentagon. Talks are expected to cover regional security and political issues, as well as procurement matters, and additional strategic cooperation.
Chancellor Merz to present government progress at Berlin press conference
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to present initial assessment of his government's progress at a traditional summer press conference in Berlin. He is set to take journalists' questions on domestic and foreign policy matters.
Merz to meet Romanian president
Merz scheduled to meet Romanian President Nicusor Dan at Federal Chancellery in Berlin. Their meeting is expected to focus on bilateral relations, European policy, and security matters, according to Merz's spokesman.
Germany to host European interior ministers
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt to host counterparts from France, Poland, Austria, Denmark, and the Czech Republic for policy discussions in Bavaria. The talks, which will include EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, will focus on restructuring European migration policy. According to the German Interior Ministry, the meeting aims to generate significant momentum for a stricter European approach to migration management.
South Africa to commemorate Mandela Day
South Africans to honor life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, dedicating 67 minutes of service on Mandela Day to promote social justice, community upliftment, and the values of compassion and equality, marking his 67-year struggle against apartheid. President Cyril Ramaphosa and other dignitaries to deliver speeches and attend various activities in tribute to the late president, who dedicated his life to advancing racial equality in South Africa.
Japanese premier, US Treasury secretary likely to meet for tariff talks
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent likely to meet in Tokyo for tariff talks. Ishiba, Bessent, and Japanese chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa are expected to discuss US tariffs and bilateral trade ties.
South Korean court holds hearing for ousted president
South Korean court holding hearing on the legality of arrest of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon was arrested a week ago on charges related to his Dec. 3 martial law decree but has refused to attending questioning by prosectors.
China’s Foreign Ministry news conference
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing.
Pacific trade ministers to meet in Fiji
Trade ministers of Pacific Island nations gathering in Fiji for their biennial Pacific Islands Forum trade ministers meeting – key regional platform for shaping trade and economic integration. Delegates are expected to discuss strategic trade priorities, regional supply chains, and engagement with external partners.
Monitoring situation as rains, floods wreak havoc in eastern Pakistan
Monitoring developments as heavy rains and floods have wreaked havoc in eastern Pakistan, triggering a state of emergency in several districts of the Punjab province. More than 60 people have been killed while hundreds have been displaced. Authorities have forecast more torrential rains in the next 24 hours, which may aggravate the situation.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's international investment position
Turkish Central Bank to release Türkiye's international investment position (NIIP) figures for May. In April, the NIIP (assets minus liabilities) was at minus $319.5B.
SPECIAL REPORTS
FACTBOX – Who are the Druze and why are they central to Israel’s attacks on Syria?
Report explaining issue of the Druze community in Syria and the wider Mideast, which has been a central element in Israel’s recent attacks on Syria.
The story provides historical and religious context about the Druze, an ethno-religious minority with populations across Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan, and highlights the unique military ties some Druze maintain with Israel.
The report explores Israel’s military intervention in Syria’s Suwayda and Daraa, the ceasefire agreement, and divided responses among Druze leaders, with some siding with the Syrian government and others calling for outside intervention.
EXPLAINER – What’s at stake in Japan’s upper house elections?
Explainer on July 20 elections in Japan, where hundreds of members will be elected to the House of Councilors, the upper house of Japan’s parliament.
Report explains process of the vote and offers details about the major contenders and key campaign issues, including voter concerns over the economy and foreign policy.
Story also delves into expected outcomes and potential implications for the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner Komeito, with comments from Japanese academic Saul Takahashi.
UK-France reset ties: Is Europe’s security and strategic autonomy the big winner?
Report on the major outcomes of French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent state visit to the UK, which experts view as a consequential step for European autonomy and security.
Story examines major decisions taken during Macron’s talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other top officials, focusing on areas such as announcements of a new migration agreement, defense cooperation, and nuclear coordination.
Report features insights from Rogelia Pastor-Castro, senior teaching fellow at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, and Martin Steven, senior lecturer at Lancaster University.
INTERVIEW – AI spurring healthcare shift from treatment to prevention: Expert
Interview with Leslie Saxon, executive director of the University of Southern California’s Center for Body Computing, about major healthcare advances spurred by AI tech.
Saxon speaks about a radical shift in health care with the use of AI and wearable tech to prioritize prevention over treatment. She explains how real-time, personalized health insights could reduce reliance on hospitals and empower individuals to manage their own well-being.
Saxon also warns of risks – like data manipulation in clinical settings – and stresses the need for rigorous testing, not premature regulation.
Once a fragrant empire: Reviving Türkiye’s forgotten scent heritage
Report on the revival of the long history of perfumes and scents in Türkiye, particularly their significance in Ottoman times.
Story explores the rich olfactory culture of the Ottoman empire and the efforts of fragrance expert Bihter Turkan Ergul to restore this legacy. Ergul, the founder of Türkiye’s first scent academy in Istanbul, has trained hundreds of students globally, and she speaks at length about the significance of perfumery in Ottoman life, as well as its relevance today.
Report highlights the symbolic role of fragrances, Islamic roots of scent traditions, and the decline of artisanal perfume-making after the Industrial Revolution.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with University of Southern California academic Leslie Saxon about major advances spurred by AI tech that are shifting health care from treatment to cure.
VIDEO – Report on revival of Türkiye’s forgotten Ottoman olfactory heritage, including an interview with Bihter Turkan Ergul, a fragrance expert and founder of Türkiye’s first scent academy in Istanbul.