Diary

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

US-Iran tensions

Tensions between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump on Sunday ruled out immediate military strikes against Iran, saying Washington has no plans to launch attacks.

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Developments as Houthi strikes continue, with Saudi Civil Defense reporting two people injured and damage to 3 buildings and 7 vehicles from debris of two intercepted Houthi missiles in Khamis Mushait and Ahad Rafidah.

Yemen fighting and displacement

Military and humanitarian developments in Yemen and continued fighting between government forces and the Houthis, after the UN reported more than 268,000 people internally displaced since July and thousands more fleeing to Djibouti, amid growing humanitarian needs and funding shortages.

Israel’s election eve

Developments in Israel as the election campaign silence period begins a day before Tuesday’s vote, amid opposition accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to sabotage the elections and jeopardize their integrity.

Israeli siege of Hebron

The fourth day of Israel’s siege of Hebron in the southern West Bank, amid forced evacuations of Palestinians from their homes, the conversion of some homes into military barracks, and continued raids, arrests and road closures.

Egypt’s Saudi defense mandate

A third sitting of Egypt’s House of Representatives to consider President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s request for a mandate to defend Saudi Arabia.

Guterres-Egyptian foreign minister’s press conference

A press conference in Cairo by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in attendance.

Iraqi premier’s expected Jordan visit

An expected visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to Amman for talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and energy sectors.

Abu Dhabi crown prince’s Canada visit

A two-day visit by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed to Canada for talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on developing the two countries’ strategic partnership.

Reactions to developments around Hormuz and Yemen

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

Student protests in France

Developments regarding nationwide student protests in France as French students and Yellow Vest protesters took to the streets once again on Saturday as part of 'Act II' demonstrations over cost-of-living issues, including high fuel prices.

Results of Serbia snap elections

Political developments in Serbia following Sunday’s early elections to choose 250 members for the National Assembly. President Aleksandar Vucic resigned at the end of September to run for prime minister, meaning a presidential election will also take place later this year.

Results of Bulgaria presidential election

Political developments in Bulgaria following Sunday’s presidential elections. Last election was held on Nov. 14 and 21, 2021, and saw incumbent Rumen Radev reelected with 66.7% of the second-round vote; he is not eligible to run for a third term. A run-off will take place on Nov. 1, if required.

E5 defense ministers meeting

French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautin hosts meeting of E5 counterparts (Germany, UK, Poland, France and Italy). A joint press conference follows. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas to also attend.

UK Centre for Mental Health report

New report from Centre for Mental Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of York suggests the government must act to protect people with severe mental illness from future heatwaves. It demonstrates how people with severe mental illness are at increased risk during heatwaves as a result of medication, physical health problems, poor housing, poorly adapted inpatient environments, and social isolation.

Harassment trial of Tommy Robinson

Verdicts expected in trial as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, faces two charges of harassment causing fear of violence against two men over alleged offenses committed in 2024.

Macklemore 'Free Palestine' tour begins in Dublin

Rapper Macklemore performs the first of three European shows in Dublin as part of his Free Palestine tour, which comes after his controversial removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour over his onstage remarks in support of Palestine.

Slovakia resumes intergovernmental consultations with Russia

Slovakia resumes intergovernmental consultations with Russia for the first time since the beginning of Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar leads the Slovak delegation.

French premier holds meetings with student groups, unions, local authorities

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu holds meetings with student groups, teachers, trade unions, local authorities, and lawmakers to discuss demands made by protesters in recent weeks.

‘Hands off West Bank’ protest in London

Pro-Palestine groups hold emergency rally outside UK prime minister’s office in London under the theme, ‘Hands off West Bank.’ They are expected to call for no to occupation, apartheid and forced displacement amid increasing Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank.

German chancellor travels to Asia

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz leaves for Singapore on Oct. 26, the first stop on a trip through Oct. 30 that also takes him to Japan and South Korea. Accompanied by a business delegation, he seeks to deepen security and economic cooperation, including on supply chains and artificial intelligence.

German president heads to China

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier leaves for China for a six-day state visit that takes him to Hefei, Huangshan and Beijing.

Turkish president to chair Cabinet meeting

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Statements are expected.

US singer Chris Brown to be sentenced in UK court over nightclub incident

US singer Chris Brown is due to be sentenced at London's Southwark Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to affray over an incident in which prosecutors said he attacked a music producer with a bottle in a London nightclub in 2023.

Trump, Vance to hold midterm campaign rallies in 3 states

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will campaign in three states as Republicans intensify efforts to mobilize voters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Trump will hold a rally in Corinth, Mississippi, while Vance will appear at separate events in Belgrade, Montana, and Topeka, Kansas.

Washington, DC, begins early voting under new ranked-choice system

Washington, DC, will open in-person early voting for the US midterm elections, marking the first general election in the district to use ranked-choice voting.

UN Security Council’s meetings on children in armed conflict, Iraq-Kuwait missing persons

The UN Security Council will hold a high-level briefing marking the 30th anniversary of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate, chaired by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, with discussions expected to focus on violations against children, civilian protection and accountability.

In a separate session, council members will review efforts to resolve outstanding cases of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing property stemming from Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Senior UN representative Mari Yamashita is expected to brief members, followed by closed consultations.

Canada to host Abu Dhabi crown prince

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will host Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, during an official visit to Canada. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, strategic cooperation and shared priorities, with Carney also hosting a dinner in the crown prince's honor.

Landmark youth climate lawsuit to begin trial in Canada

A landmark constitutional climate lawsuit brought by 15 young Canadians against the federal government will begin trial in Vancouver's Federal Court amid accusations that the country violated their constitutional rights, including their right to life, liberty and security of the person, by failing to adequately address greenhouse gas emissions.

Brazil’s Sen. Bolsonaro to challenge presidential runoff result

Brazilian Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro has vowed to seek the annulment of Sunday’s presidential runoff, which election authorities declared President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won.

Dominican Republic’s president to address Haiti border security

President Luis Abinader is due to hold a news conference in Santo Domingo on security along the border with Haiti, accompanied by senior defense and foreign affairs officials. The briefing follows the deployment of two additional military battalions and heavy equipment to the southern border amid worsening insecurity in Haiti, including the kidnapping of four Salvadoran military technicians.

Transport workers in Mexico plan nationwide protests over highway insecurity

Mexican freight transport organizations plan nationwide demonstrations and work stoppages to demand stronger action against highway robberies, extortion and violence targeting drivers. Protesters are expected to gather on major roads and approaches to several cities, potentially disrupting traffic, while the government has offered dialogue. Attention will focus on the extent of participation, possible road closures, security incidents and negotiations with federal authorities.

Tropical Storm Vance threatens flooding along Mexico’s Pacific coast

Tropical Storm Vance is expected to continue moving over the eastern Pacific off Mexico’s southwestern coast, bringing heavy rainfall, dangerous surf and risks of flash flooding and landslides.

Mongolian president’s visit to Belarus

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to hold talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, who is making an official visit to Belarus on Oct. 24-26. At the talks in Minsk, the presidents plan to outline key directions for further development of trade and economic projects.

Meeting of Russia-Slovakia intergovernmental commission

The first meeting of the Russia-Slovakia intergovernmental commission in 5 years to be held in Moscow. The Russian delegation is said to be headed by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, and the Slovak delegation by Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar.

Russian delegation to take part in BRICS Parliamentary Forum in India

A Russian delegation to take part in the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, scheduled for Oct. 26-27 in India. On the sidelines of the forum, a meeting of the chairs of the foreign affairs committees of the BRICS member states and partners will take place.

- Russian-Ukrainian war

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict continues to remain one of the key topics of the international media agenda. After contacts by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff with the conflicting parties, plans were announced to hold a new meeting in a trilateral format – Russia-US-Ukraine.

Bangladeshi prime minister visits Japan

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrives in Japan on 4-day working visit. During his stay in Japan, he will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Plenary session of Central Committee of Communist Party of China opens

The 5th plenary session of the Central Committee, the upper echelon of China’s ruling Communist Party, kicks off in Beijing. The 4-day party meeting to pave way for one of the most extensive turnovers of personnel in modern Chinese political history.

Early voting for New Zealand general election begins

Advance voting for general elections in New Zealand starts. Main election day will be Nov. 7 to elect a new government for a three-year term.

Tensions on Korean Peninsula

Developments and likely response from North Korea on South Korea’s offer to restore military talks to calm down tempers between the divided Koreas. Tensions are running high since 3 South Korean soldiers were wounded in an explosion inside Demilitarized Zone on Sept. 21. Seoul blamed Pyongyang, which rejected the accusations.

Polish Premier Tusk in Vietnam

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung hosts Polish counterpart Donald Tusk for official talks. Tusk is on 3-day trip to the Southeast Asian nation.

Dam protests in Indian province near China border

Developments after India reported violent protests against a proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Dam in northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state along China border. Locals demand scrapping the dam project and withdrawing armed forces from the region.

Typhoon Champi likely to hit Japan

After disrupting normal life in Taiwan, Typhoon Champi is likely to hit Japan as this year’s strongest storms bring heavy rain and winds. At least one person was killed in Taiwan due to the typhoon.

Chinese Foreign Ministry holds news conference

Chinese Foreign Ministry holds regular news conference in Beijing and is expected to comment on evolving regional developments, including recent US threats to attack Iran.

THE ECONOMY

Germany’s business climate

Ifo Institute will release business climate index for October.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Big donors, bigger stakes: Money looms large over US midterms

Report on the unprecedented role of money in the 2026 US midterm elections, as candidates spend at record levels while super PACs, billionaires and other outside groups pour billions more into key races.

The story explains how campaign finance works in the US and why the source of political money has itself become a campaign issue, with candidates increasingly attacking opponents over their financial backers.

The report focuses in particular on AIPAC and its affiliated United Democracy Project, including their spending against candidates critical of US policy toward Israel, while placing their role alongside major spending by crypto, technology and other political interests. It includes interviews with Daniel Lobo-Lewis of the Political Integrity Project and Cory Archibald of TrackAIPAC.

Israeli elections: Will Trump’s endorsement help or hurt Netanyahu?

Report on US President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its potential impact on Tuesday’s election.

The story looks at whether Trump’s backing has helped Netanyahu mobilize support or instead alienated Israeli voters, including some within Likud who oppose foreign intervention in domestic politics. It also examines whether the endorsement reflects an effort by Netanyahu to strengthen his position at a difficult point in the campaign.

The report includes analysis from Ahron Bregman and Ryan Bohl of the RANE Network on the possible calculations behind Trump’s support, including expectations over Netanyahu’s approach to Iran.

UNESCO city Matera uses art to reconnect a divided Mediterranean

Report from Matera, the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026, on how the southern Italian city is using art, music and artistic residencies to explore a shared Mediterranean identity across a region marked by conflict, migration and political divisions.

The story looks at projects drawing on the region’s common histories and cultural exchanges, from Michelangelo Pistoletto’s Love Difference installation and music inspired by the historic Sabir lingua franca to Arbereshe songs, Mediterranean photography and works linking southern Italy with North Africa and the Middle East.

The report includes interviews with artists and cultural organizers on whether cultural diplomacy can create new spaces for dialogue and understanding across the Mediterranean while still confronting the wars, displacement and political tensions shaping the region.

INTERVIEW – Ex-Scottish First Minister McConnell on peacebuilding lessons, prospects for peace in Palestine

Interview with former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell on lessons from his involvement in the Bangsamoro peace process and what they could offer for efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Palestine.

McConnell, who served as the UK prime minister’s special representative for peacebuilding, discusses the challenges of sustaining peace agreements, preventing renewed violence and ensuring political settlements are supported by institutions and communities over the long term.

The interview also examines Scotland’s experience with self-government and relations between devolved administrations and central authorities, and whether those experiences offer broader lessons for conflict resolution and political accommodation.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interviews with Daniel Lobo-Lewis of the Political Integrity Project and Cory Archibald of TrackAIPAC on the record spending for these US midterms and the growing influence of the Israeli, tech and other lobbies.

VIDEO – Report on Israel’s elections giving an overview of the electoral system, main contenders, major issues and possible outcome scenarios as Benjamin Netanyahu looks for another term as prime minister.

Fatma Zehra Solmaz