ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon
Israeli army’s ongoing attacks on southern Lebanon with claims of targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, after UNIFIL on Thursday released figures on 7,500 air violations and 2,500 ground violations of ceasefire agreement since late 2024.
Phase 2 of Egypt’s parliamentary elections
Egypt to kick off phase 2 of parliamentary elections, as expats cast their ballots abroad on Friday and Saturday to choose 568 elected members of House of Representatives. Local voting to continue on Monday and Tuesday across 13 of Egypt’s 27 provinces.
Israel’s ceasefire violations in Gaza Strip
Ongoing Israeli violations of ceasefire agreement in Gaza Strip, including killing of civilians and expansion of Israeli army-controlled areas via broadening yellow line, which raises concerns of a new wave of displacement within Gaza.
US president to host New York City mayor-elect
US President Donald Trump to host New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday. Trump first announced the meeting, with Mamdani later telling reporters that affordability would be the main focus. It will be the first time the two figures, who have frequently criticized each other, meet face to face. The event is listed as closed to the press.
G7 interior and security ministers to meet in Canada
3-day meeting of interior and security ministers to begin in Ontario, as part of Canada’s G7 presidency. Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to host the event, expected to focus on transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, cybercrime, and online crime.
UN climate change conference to conclude in Brazil
UN climate change conference COP 30 is scheduled to end in Belem, Brazil. Final day of annual event to feature closing plenary of its main negotiations.
Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum
EU foreign ministers to meet their Indo-Pacific counterparts in Brussels for EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, the main platform for cooperation between the two regions and a key part of the EU’s partnership with ASEAN.
Discussions to focus on security priorities amid current geopolitical tensions, shared prosperity, economic security, digital connectivity, and a clean, sustainable future. Press conference by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas set to follow meeting.
Turkish president to depart for South Africa
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will depart for South Africa to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Johannesburg on Nov. 22-23.
Developments amid new Trump-supported plan to revive Ukraine peace talks
Developments in Moscow and Kyiv to be followed amid drafting of new plan to revive talks on ending Russia-Ukraine war, now over 3 1/2 years old.
The 28-point plan, first reported by US media outlets on Tuesday, was drafted in consultation with Moscow, according to reports.
Ukraine confirmed Thursday evening that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the draft plan, adding that he expects to discuss it with US President Donald Trump "in the coming days."
Japan set to okay world's biggest nuclear power plant resuming operations
Japan expected to restart world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in central Niigata province, for first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. If the process goes smoothly, reactor will become operational by the end of next March.
China-Japan developments
Tensions between China and Japan persist, with Tokyo urging Beijing to recall Chinese diplomat who made threatening remarks over Premier Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan.
Tonga’s king visiting China
Tonga’s King Tupou VI paying 7-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
THE ECONOMY
Tourist figures in Türkiye
Türkiye to announce the number of foreigners who visited the country in October.
SPECIAL REPORTS
South Africa hosts historic G20 amid US snub, rising Global South demands
Curtain-raiser on first G20 summit ever hosted on African soil, as South Africa prepares to welcome leaders of the world’s major economies to Johannesburg this weekend.
Story explains why summit is historic for the continent and the wider Global South, arriving at a moment of multiple global crises and shifting US foreign policy. It examines the implications of US decision to boycott the summit, analyzing whether President Donald Trump’s absence will meaningfully affect proceedings or primarily serve as a symbolic blow.
Report includes insights from political economist Dale McKinley, Andre Duvenhage of South Africa’s North West University, retired diplomat Harold Acemah, and Rich Mashimbye, researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation.
Brazil’s climate crossroads: Oil approvals threaten Amazon as COP30 spotlights global commitments
Report examining Brazil’s mounting climate contradictions as government authorizes new offshore oil exploration near the mouth of the Amazon River, a move garnering intensified scrutiny as the country hosts UN climate change conference COP30.
Report outlines potential environmental consequences of drilling near one of the world’s most biodiverse and sensitive ecosystems, including risks to marine life, threats to the Amazon’s hydrological balance, and the possibility of irreversible ecological damage.
Story includes insights from Brazilian ecologist Julia Tavares, environmental policy researcher Minerva Singh, and Greenpeace Brazil’s Mariana Andrade, who underscore that new fossil fuel expansion could undermine global climate targets and jeopardize the Amazon’s role as a vital carbon sink.
EXPLAINER - Why are China and Japan at odds over Taiwan?
Report on escalating tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan.
Story outlines how China has reacted with a series of punitive and pressure-building measures targeting Japan’s economy, diplomacy, and public safety environment, including travel advisory for Chinese citizens, stepped-up maritime and air patrols around disputed waters, tightened customs controls, and expanded ban on Japanese seafood exports.
Report further highlights Tokyo’s efforts to cool tensions, including diplomatic outreach, reassurances that its Taiwan-related remarks were rooted in Japan’s existing security framework, and renewed calls for dialogue.
Being deprived of where you belong: Palestinian filmmaker captures life and memory in Gaza
Interview with Areeb Zuaiter, Palestinian director of 2024 documentary Yalla Parkour, reflecting on memory, identity, and the everyday resilience of Gaza’s youth.
Zuaiter delves into her deeply personal connection to Gaza, collaboration with young parkour athletes, and emotional challenges of filming amid war, illustrating how the film connects intimate personal memories with the collective Palestinian story.
She also speaks about the parallel narratives of belonging, loss, and survival, stressing the resilience of Palestinians and their ongoing fight to live, remember, and remain connected to a homeland scarred by Israel’s occupation and genocidal war.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with Palestinian director Areeb Zuaiter about her documentary Yalla Parkour, the emotional challenges of filming amid war, and her reflections on memory, identity, and the everyday resilience of Gaza’s people.