ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Intensified Israeli assaults and civilian displacement in Gaza
The field developments in Gaza underscore a worsening humanitarian crisis, with Israeli forces demolishing homes in Zeitoun and launching heavy airstrikes on Shujaiya, causing mass displacement and civilian casualties after Tel Aviv declared Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone.”
Israeli-Houthi confrontation
Follow-up on clashes between the Israeli army and Yemen’s Houthi group that continue after a drone was launched from Yemen in the wake of the Israeli strike on Sanaa that killed the group’s Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahwi and several ministers.
G20 meeting on food security in Egypt
The second day of the official G20 meeting, held in Cairo for the first time, kicked off on Monday and will last until Wednesday. The three-day forum held with South Africa’s presidency to address global food security, with broad participation from member states, guest countries, and international organizations.
Bled Strategic Forum
The annual gathering of European academics, industry leaders, and politicians in Bled will continue into its second day on Tuesday.
EU ministers meeting in Copenhagen
European affairs ministers of the member states and their counterparts from candidate countries will meet informally in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday. The agenda is expected to cover the latest developments on EU enlargement as well as European security.
Germany’s Merz to meet Swiss president
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin for talks on bilateral relations, European topics, and foreign and security issues. The leaders are scheduled to hold a press conference after their meeting.
NATO secretary general to visit Luxembourg
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Luxembourg on Tuesday, Sept. 2. He is scheduled to meet with Royal Highness Grand-Duke Henri and Prime Minister Luc Frieden. He will also visit the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) HQ in Capellen.
Trump to make announcement
US President Donald Trump will appear before reporters at the White House to make an announcement. While the topic has not been specified, Trump said on Saturday that he plans to issue an executive order requiring voter identification for all elections.
Rubio to visit Mexico
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to pay an official visit to Mexico for talks with President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has said she expects to sign a security pact with the US to increase cooperation in the fight against fentanyl and transnational cartels. Later, Rubio is expected to move on to Ecuador.
South Korea to assume rotating UN Security Council presidency
South Korea will assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council from Panama for September. South Korea’s representative at the UN, Charge d’Affaires Sangjin Kim, will deliver a briefing on the program for the month.
Developments around meeting between Putin, Xi
Developments in Moscow will be closely followed as Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to the Kremlin, Russia and China will discuss ways to strengthen further and develop their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. Global and regional issues are also expected to be on the agenda during the talks.
Trilateral talks between Russian, Chinese, Mongolian presidents
Developments as Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Beijing. According to the Kremlin, during the meeting, Putin, Xi, and Khurelsukh will exchange views on key cooperation areas.
Death toll likely to rise in Afghanistan earthquake
The death toll from a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan is likely to rise. Official records show 800 people have died, while 2500 others have been injured. Search and rescue operations continue.
North Korea’s Kim likely to reach China
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is likely to reach China, where he is scheduled to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He is reportedly traveling by train. The high-profile military parade in Beijing on Sept. 3 will see Kim debuting his multilateral diplomatic appearance since assuming power in December 2011. More than 2 dozen foreign guests, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, are attending the event.
China's Xi likely to host foreign guests
China's President Xi Jinping is likely to host foreign leaders for bilateral meetings, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Xi and Sharif are expected to formally launch the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0. However, Xi could hold more meetings as Beijing is hosting some 26 foreign leaders for the Sept. 3 military parade.
THE ECONOMY
Eurozone inflation
Eurostat to share monthly consumer price index (CPI) figures for August. In July, the consumer inflation was unchanged at 2% annually.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW - ‘The West has failed’: Irish comedian joins Gaza flotilla, calling it a moral duty
Interview with Irish comedian and activist Tadgh Hickey, who has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla that is sailing to Gaza to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.
Hickey describes preparations in Barcelona and the journey so far, while also sharing the wider objectives of the mission, which he says is being driven by thousands of people united by “very basic compassion.”
He also speaks about the risks of detention by Israeli forces, saying that action is a moral duty, stressing the scale and urgency of suffering in Gaza.
RSF’s parallel government claim a ploy to counter Sudan army’s gains: Experts
Report on the latest political developments in Sudan and how the fragile peace efforts face fresh strain after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a rival “transitional government,” a step experts say is driven by losses to the advancing Sudanese army.
The story presents insights from analysts who explain how the RSF lacks the capacity or machinery to run a state, describing its declaration as a bargaining chip that risks dividing Sudan. They also give details on the Sudanese army’s advances in Khartoum, Kordofan, and parts of Darfur.
The report includes comments from Sudanese analyst and researcher Jihad Mashamoun and Abiol Lual Deng, a political scientist and international relations expert.
What Russian lace history reveals about sanctions
Report on the history of lace production in Russia, which reflects how scarcity and embargoes can spur innovation, offering lessons as sanctions once again squeeze access to foreign goods.
The story charts how imports of the coveted European luxury were banned, leading to artisans reinventing the craft with unique materials like gold and silver threads, creating a distinctly Russian tradition.
The report has insights from Luisa Selyanina, a senior researcher at the Vologda Lace Museum, on how lace survived bans, wars, and ideological clashes in Russia over the years.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with Irish comedian and activist Tadgh Hickey, who has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla that is sailing to Gaza to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.