ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Harsh winter in Gaza deepens suffering of Palestinians
Harsh winter in the Gaza Strip deepens suffering of Palestinians amid Israel’s continued restrictions on bringing in prefab “caravan” shelters as an alternative to tents.
Security situation in Syria’s coastal city of Latakia
Security situation in Syria’s coastal region following protests in Latakia, where attacks by remnants of the ousted regime on security forces and civilians raised the death toll to four and left dozens injured.
Israel ceasefire breaches in Lebanon
Israel’s continued ceasefire violations in Lebanon, with ongoing attacks despite the November 2024 ceasefire, as the first phase of the Lebanese government’s plan to confine all weapons under state control approaches its year-end deadline.
Türkiye-Somalia meeting in Istanbul
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to welcome his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, where they will discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
The leaders are expected to hold news conference.
The visit comes days after Israel announced that it recognizes the independence of Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland, a move that Türkiye calls "unlawful."
European reactions to Trump-Zelenskyy meeting in Florida
Following reactions from European capitals and EU institutions after meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida on Sunday.
The talks came in the backdrop of ongoing battlefield pressure on Ukraine and mounting questions in Europe over the durability of Western security guarantees.
Developments following alleged Ukrainian drone strike on Putin residence
Developments after Russia claimed that a Ukrainian drone targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence in the country's northwestern Novgorod region.
Zelenskyy has denied the claim, arguing the accusations seek to undermine achievements in diplomatic efforts with Trump's team.
Putin also informed Trump of the alleged strike in a phone call, saying Moscow will revise its position amid ongoing peace talks, and vowed retaliation.
Netanyahu’s visit to US
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing visit to the US, where he met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago estate, Florida, on Monday. Israeli media reports indicate that Netanyahu is expected to remain in the US until the beginning of January for possible additional meetings with senior administration or elected officials.
Thailand likely to release 18 Cambodian soldiers
Thailand likely to release 18 Cambodian prisoners of war following ceasefire. The two Southeast Asian nations are working toward consolidating the ceasefire after 20 days of border clashes. The 18 soldiers have been in Thai custody since clashes in July.
China holds large-scale drills around Taiwan
Developments as China holds large-scale military drills around Taiwan in a stern warning against ‘Taiwan independence separatist forces’ as well as ‘external interference.’ Taipei condemned drills, accusing China of being a ‘troublemaker.’
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's unemployment
TurkStat to release monthly unemployment figures for November. In October, the unemployment rate fell to 8.5%. The country will also share economic confidence data.
SPECIAL REPORTS
1st quarter of 21st century: How China rose to reshape global power
Report on China’s transformation from a developing economy to a major global power over the first quarter of the 21st century, expanding influence through trade, diplomacy, technology and military modernization.
The story examines China’s economic growth, growing diplomatic network, strategic engagement with the Global South, and rapid military buildup, including its naval expansion, nuclear arsenal and advanced weapons.
The report includes insights from experts, including Huiyao Wang of the Center for China and Globalization, Eric Olander of the China Global South Project, Jingdong Yuan of SIPRI, and Andrea Ghiselli of the ChinaMed Project.
YEAR-ENDER - Turbulent year for embattled British monarchy
Report on a year in which health concerns, family scandal and public skepticism challenged Britain’s monarchy, testing its relevance and accountability.
The story outlines the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, King Charles III’s decisive removal of Prince Andrew’s titles, ongoing debates over succession and royal finances, and the monarchy’s diplomatic and soft-power role in a changing Britain.
The report includes insights from royal biographer Robert Hardman, who highlights the monarchy’s efforts to adapt to public scrutiny while maintaining institutional stability.
YEAR-ENDER – How conflicts disrupted maritime navigation, trade in 2025
Report on how geopolitical rivalries and armed conflicts strained the global maritime order in 2025, disrupting key shipping routes, raising costs and reshaping trade patterns.
The story examines tensions in key maritime regions including the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz and the Caribbean, as well as the impact of shadow fleets, US actions against Venezuelan vessels, and the broader erosion of adherence to maritime norms.
The report includes comments from Elisabeth Braw of the Atlantic Council, who underscores the risks to global shipping, maritime safety and trade stability amid rising geopolitical tensions.
YEAR-ENDER - South Caucasus in 2026: What lies ahead for Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process
Report on the future of the South Caucasus following the landmark agreement signed earlier this year between Azerbaijan and Armenia, assessing whether it marks a durable turning point after decades of conflict or a fragile pause.
The story examines post-2020 negotiations on border delimitation, transport connectivity and regional cooperation, as well as the broader implications of the deal for security and trade across the region.
The report includes interviews from Eldaniz Gusseinov of the Heydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies on the economic and connectivity potential of open borders, and regional conflict expert Olesya Vartanyan on prospects for a more durable peace anchored in transit projects and regional cooperation.