Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Results and repercussions of Israel’s parliamentary elections

Results and reactions from two main political camps to Israel’s hard-fought Tuesday elections.

⁠Tensions between Washington and Tehran amid diplomatic efforts

Continuing US-Iran tensions amid reports of incidents involving tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Situation remains under close observation after US President Donald Trump on Sunday ruled out immediate military strikes on Iran, saying Washington had no plans to launch attacks.

Yemen fighting & ⁠Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Ongoing clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis, with more than 268,000 people displaced since July, according to the UN. Impact of continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, after debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles caused material damage to a construction site, a vehicle, and a building in Riyadh.

Libya’s 4+4 mini-dialogue group to resume discussions on setting electoral framework

Members of Libya’s 4+4 mini-dialogue committee meet in London to discuss possibility of establishing constitutional framework for elections.

Monitoring European reactions to developments around Hormuz and Yemen

Following European governments’ reactions around the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen, with concerns over shipping, energy security, and risk of wider regional escalation.

Following student protests in France

Monitoring nationwide student protests in France after French students and “yellow jackets” again took to the streets on Saturday to protest high cost of living, including high fuel prices.

King Charles, Queen Camilla’s Caribbean visit

Final day of Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla 2-day Caribbean tour, stopping in the Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda. Their trip coincides with a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, which Charles is due to address.

UK premier faces questions in parliament

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons on Wednesday with MPs expected to press premier on domestic and international matters

UK chancellor to present budget

British Chancellor John Healey to present government’s tax and spending plans, with details of proposed “Your First Home” equity loan scheme and a fiscal devolution roadmap expected. Healey said in July that the budget would move “money and power out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain.”

Portugal’s parliament to vote on 2027 budget

Portugal’s parliament to hold first-reading vote on minority center-right government’s 2027 budget bill, which is expected to pass after opposition Socialist Party said it would abstain.

Italy’s government set to approve 2027 budget draft

Italy’s government set to approve draft 2027 budget law, then submit it to parliament for amendments and final approval.

Bulgaria to host Turkish, Romanian defense ministers for Black Sea security talks

Bulgaria’s defense minister to meet his Turkish and Romanian counterparts in Sofia to discuss Black Sea security following series of deadly drone attacks on commercial vessels in the region.

Turkish president to welcome Kazakh counterpart

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to welcome his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to capital Ankara with official ceremony at Presidential Complex.

Trump to meet Artemis III crew, hold signing event, and campaign in Ohio

US President Donald Trump to greet Artemis III crew at White House before holding signing event, both closed to the media. He will later travel to Ohio, to address a campaign rally ahead of next week’s midterms.

Vance to campaign in North Carolina ahead of midterms

US Vice President JD Vance to hold campaign rally in North Carolina, as Republicans seek to mobilize voters ahead of midterm elections. Vance is campaigning in support of Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley, who faces Democrat Roy Cooper.

Judge expected to rule on Justice Department request to separate 20,000 California ballots

US District Judge David Carter is expected to rule on emergency Justice Department request to set aside approximately 20,000 mail-in ballots linked to voters that federal officials suspect are noncitizens.

Carney to face parliamentary questions ahead of Canada-EU summit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to hold Question Period ahead of Canada-EU summit starting tomorrow in Montreal.

Palestinian students, Canadian academics to raise concerns over immigration policy

Palestinian Students and Scholars at Risk Network, joined by Canadian academics and advocacy groups, to hold news conference to raise concerns over alleged discriminatory treatment of Palestinian graduate students and unfulfilled government commitments. Green Party leader Elizabeth May to take part.

Developments following Flavio Bolsonaro’s reported flight to US

Monitoring developments in Brazil after defeated presidential candidate Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro reportedly departed for the US despite a judicial travel ban.

UN General Assembly to vote on resolution calling for end to US embargo on Cuba

UN General Assembly to resume debate and vote on annual resolution calling for end to US embargo on Cuba.

UN fact-finding mission on Sudan to brief journalists

UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan to hold news briefing at UN headquarters in New York. Mission chair scheduled to address journalists amid continuing concerns over violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk to address journalists

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk to join the UN secretary-general's spokesperson for noon briefing at UN headquarters in New York.

World Food Programme chief to hold press encounter at UN

World Food Programme Executive Director Luke Lindberg to address journalists at Security Council stakeout in New York.

Moscow to host 3rd Russia-Africa Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye to address 3rd Russia–Africa Summit. Putin also to take part in numerous events and hold bilateral talks with regional leaders, including those of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Congo.

Developments amid local ceasefire in Russian-controlled city of Oleshky

Moves by Russia and Ukraine after a local ceasefire, brokered by US first lady Melania Trump, took effect in Russian-controlled city of Oleshky in Ukraine's southern Kherson region. Ceasefire seeks to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations.

Russia-Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine continue to report frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions of humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, continue.

Kazakh president to deliver address to the nation

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to deliver address to the nation.

ASEAN defense ministers meet in Philippines

Philippines hosting 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting. South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also to hold their first bilateral talks on the sidelines of the event.

US’ Hegseth in Philippines

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Philippines for 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings. He is expected to hold meetings with counterparts from the region.

German president on China trip

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier continuing his state visit to China.

German chancellor visiting Japan

Chancellor Friedrich Merz to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo and also attend German-Japanese Business Summit and visit a Japanese company that cooperates with German partners.

Indonesian energy minister expected to visit India

Indonesian Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia expected to visit India for energy cooperation talks and later to proceed to China.

South Korean unification minister delivers speech at forum

South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dongyoung delivering remarks at 2026 DMZ OPEN Eco Peace Forum. Forum is being held amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula after Seoul blamed Pyongyang for explosion inside DMZ.

Top Philippine diplomat visits Myanmar

Philippines Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, who is also serving as current ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar, beginning 2-day visit to Naypyidaw. Visit comes ahead of next month's ASEAN leaders' summit.

Iceland's foreign minister continues China visit

Iceland's Foreign Minister Gunnarsdottir visiting China for talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Bangladesh’s Premier Rahman on Japan trip

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman continuing 4-day official trip to Japan.

EU lawmakers on China trip, 1st since 2018

Delegation of EU parliament members continues trip to China, first such trip since 2018, to discuss trade policy, EU dependence on critical raw materials and technologies, market imbalances, and unequal market access.

Typhoon Champi likely to make landfall in India

Typhoon Champi expected to make landfall in India.

Chinese Foreign Ministry holds news conference

Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing on top international issues.

Telecom giant Jio makes debut on Indian stock market

Indian telecom giant Jio Platforms' shares list on Indian stock exchange, in biggest-ever IPO and billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries' first listing in two decades.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's foreign trade balance

Türkiye to release foreign trade balance figures for September.

US goods trade

US to release goods trade balance data for September.

Fed interest rate decision

Fed to release interest rate decision. Its current rate is at 4% but market expects a slight increase.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Israel election results: What changed and what comes next?

Report comparing Israeli election results with previous outcomes to identify shifts in party support, changes in the balance of power, and new trends across political landscape.

Story to examine possible coalition scenarios emerging from vote, including which parties could join a governing bloc and where main obstacles lie.

Report also to include analysts’ assessments of what results mean for Israel’s domestic politics, durability of existing political alliances, and broader direction of country’s political landscape.

FACTBOX - 8 key US Senate races that could decide control of Congress

Report examining eight closely contested US Senate races ahead of Nov. 3 midterm elections, when Democrats will seek net gain of four seats to overturn Republicans' 53-47 majority.

Story examines contests in Michigan, Maine, Texas, Ohio, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas and North Carolina, comparing recent polling figures, previous election results, voter numbers, and political significance of each race.

It also highlights other noteworthy contests in Georgia, New Hampshire, and Nebraska, where an independent candidate could complicate calculations of Senate control.

INTERVIEW - Former Caribbean leader urges Britain to confront colonial legacy as king visits

Interview with Ralph Gonsalves, senior adviser and elder with The Repair Campaign, former prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and leading figure in the Caribbean reparatory justice movement.

Interview examines calls for Britain and the monarchy to address legacy of slavery and colonialism during King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Caribbean tour, including demands for a formal apology and reparations.

Gonsalves also discusses campaigners’ demonstrations and representations during the royal visit, and what concrete steps they expect from Charles after Buckingham Palace indicated he would address Britain’s colonial legacy without offering a formal apology or reparations.

Gizem Nisa Çebi Demir