ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Developments in Syria amid SDF ceasefire violations
Field developments in Syria as the YPG/SDF terrorist group targeted the army in the northeastern Hasakah province and Raqqa, killing and injuring several civilians and troops.
This comes although the Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire after the government said Tuesday a “mutual understanding” had been reached with SDF regarding the future of Hasakah, giving the group four days to consult on a detailed integration plan.
Israeli army ceasefire breaches in Gaza
The ongoing violations by the Israeli army of the Gaza ceasefire deal by targeting civilians, carrying out airstrikes, bombing buildings, and destroying infrastructure.
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon despite ceasefire
The near-daily Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, despite the October 2024 ceasefire, as Tel Aviv claims it targets Hezbollah sites and members.
EU leaders to gather for informal meeting in Brussels over transatlantic relations linked to Greenland
EU leaders will hold an extraordinary informal meeting in Brussels to discuss recent developments in transatlantic relations and their implications for the EU and coordinate on the way forward. US President Donald Trump’s announced tariffs on several European countries are set to take effect on Feb. 1. Trump has linked the measures to US demands to purchase Greenland, citing national security -- a proposal firmly rejected by Denmark, Greenland, and the EU.
Danish premier visits UK amid Greenland tension
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen in London for talks. They are expected to discuss bilateral ties, European security, and Greenland amid continued US interest in acquiring Denmark's Arctic territory.
German chancellor to deliver speech at World Economic Forum
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He is expected to address tensions between the US administration and Europeans, as well as recent international developments.
Trump to announce 'Board of Peace' charter, meet with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy at WEF
On the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, US President Trump will host a signing ceremony for the charter of the "Board of Peace" introduced as part of his 20-point plan for Gaza. Trump is also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before he concludes his visit and returns to Washington, DC.
Turkish foreign minister to attend signing ceremony of 'Board of Peace' charter
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the signing ceremony of the "Board of Peace" charter in Davos, Switzerland, and hold talks.
UN Security Council to discuss developments in Syria
The UN Security Council will hold its monthly open briefing on political and humanitarian developments in Syria. Khaled Khiari, the assistant secretary-general for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, as well as Edem Wosornu, the UN humanitarian office's operations and advocacy director, are expected to brief the council.
US vice president to visit Minneapolis amid unrest
US Vice President JD Vance will visit Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a roundtable with local leaders and community members amid ongoing tensions after an immigration enforcement agent fatally shot local resident Renee Nicole Macklin Good on Jan. 7. Vance is expected to deliver remarks focused on restoring law and order in the state.
Russian, Palestinian presidents to meet in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in the Kremlin. According to the Russian presidential administration, the leaders will focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Russian president to meet with US envoy for Ukrainian settlement in Moscow
Russia's President Vladimir Putin to meet with the US envoy for Ukrainian settlement, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow. According to the Kremlin, they will discuss prospects for ending the war in Ukraine, taking into account the results of recent Ukraine-US talks.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a weekly press briefing in Moscow.
Ghanaian president to lead Accra Reset talks at Davos
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama to convene African and Global South leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos to promote the Accra Reset, a 2025 initiative aimed at restructuring global governance.
Expected attendees include the presidents of Egypt, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the EU Commission, alongside former heads of state and senior officials from international institutions.
German foreign minister to visit Ethiopia, hold bilateral meeting with counterpart
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to arrive in Ethiopia for an official visit and hold bilateral consultations with his Ethiopian counterpart Gedion Timotheos, focusing on regional security and economic cooperation. He is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Indonesian president to address World Economic Forum
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto set to deliver keynote address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Heavy snow blankets Japan
Developments as heavy snow blankets parts of Japan amid advisory against adverse weather conditions, with disruptions to daily life.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's interest rate decision
The Turkish Central Bank to announce its interest rate decision. In the previous meeting, the bank cut the policy rate by 150 basis points to 38%.
US GDP
The US to announce final quarterly economic growth data for the third quarter. Preliminary estimates showed that the US GDP grew 4.3% in the third quarter.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Trump’s Greenland pursuit: What are China’s Arctic ambitions?
Report on China’s presence in the Arctic, which President Donald Trump cites as a key reason for renewed US interest in Greenland.
The story explores China’s scientific and commercial presence in the Arctic -- including recent deep-sea exploration missions -- while presenting expert views on Beijing’s intent and capacity to challenge the US militarily in the region.
The report features comments from Einar Tangen of the Center for International Governance Innovation, Sourabh Gupta of the Institute for China-America Studies, and Ali Wyne, a US-China relations adviser at the International Crisis Group.
As electric vehicles take over, Madagascar’s graphite becomes hot commodity
Report on Madagascar’s graphite industry and how rising electric vehicle demand is reshaping the country’s role in global battery supply chains.
The story examines how foreign-led investment, new industrial mines, and growing EU and US demand for lower-carbon graphite are transforming Madagascar into a key source of battery-grade material, amid the impact of the October 2025 military takeover, trade tensions with China, and stricter Western environmental and labor rules.
The report draws on analysis from Ismet Soyocak, a critical minerals expert at SFA (Oxford), a UK-based consultancy firm specializing in critical minerals, who assesses the geopolitical and economic significance of Madagascan graphite.