Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
US-Iran tensions and diplomatic efforts
The ongoing mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran to end the Mideast conflict. Attention will focus on possible diplomatic initiatives, Iran's conditions for an agreement, US military activities and security developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli government formation
Political developments in Israel following the inauguration of the new Knesset and efforts to form a government. Attention will focus on coalition negotiations, the positions of opposition and Arab parties, and possible agreements to overcome the political deadlock.
Gaza and occupied West Bank
Developments in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank amid continued Israeli military operations, reported ceasefire violations and attacks by illegal Israeli settlers. Palestinian casualties, humanitarian conditions and displacement will be the focus of news agenda.
Saudi Arabia and Houthi threats
Security developments in Saudi Arabia amid continued missile and drone threats from Yemen's Houthis.
Yemen's military developments
Developments in fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi group amid continued military operations across several fronts. Possible further clashes, retaliatory attacks and civilian casualties will be monitored.
Lebanon-Israel border tensions
Developments in southern Lebanon amid continued Israeli military activity and reported ceasefire violations. Border incidents and diplomatic efforts concerning Israeli withdrawal and security arrangements will be monitored.
Syria's political and security situation
Political and security developments in Syria amid Israeli incursions in the south and ongoing diplomatic contacts with neighboring countries.
Iraq's regional diplomatic efforts
Developments in Iraq amid regional security tensions and Baghdad's diplomatic contacts with Tehran and Washington.
Sudan conflict and humanitarian conditions
Military and humanitarian developments in Sudan amid continued fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly in Kordofan and Darfur.
Regional maritime security
Developments in maritime security across the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Aden amid regional military tensions.
Diplomatic follow-up to Qatar's talks with US, European officials
Developments following Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani's meetings with US President Donald Trump in Washington and European and Saudi officials in Paris to end the US-Iran conflict.
European reactions to Abu Dhabi talks on Ukraine
Monitoring statements and reactions from European countries as further round of trilateral negotiations between Ukrainian, Russian and US officials is scheduled to conclude in Abu Dhabi.
Student protests in Europe
Developments in nationwide student protests in France and across the rest of Europe.
COP31 climate summit
Monitoring European leaders' participation in the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from Nov. 9 to 20, including their statements, climate commitments and positions on key negotiations.
Erdogan attends opening ceremony of COP31 Leaders’ Summit
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the opening ceremony of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, taking place in Antalya, Türkiye.
UN chief Guterres to address COP31 Leaders' Summit in Türkiye
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will address world leaders at the opening of the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya, Türkiye, alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He is expected to urge stronger action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet global climate commitments.
German chancellor receives annual economic assessment
Chancellor Friedrich Merz receives the annual report of the German Council of Economic Experts. The report contains an economic forecast and analyses of economic policy. Merz and council Chair Monika Schnitzer give statements on the assessment.
German interior minister addresses security conference
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt addresses the Federal Criminal Police Office’s (BKA) annual autumn conference in Berlin. BKA President Holger Muench also speaks at the two-day gathering, held under the theme “New threats, new strategies – a paradigm shift?”
UK premier faces questions in parliament
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham responds to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons and with MPs expected to press the premier on domestic and international matters.
NATO chief, UK defense secretary speaks at forum in Norway
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attends and speaks on the opening of Atlantic Future Forum, annual defence, security, technology, and trade summit between the US and the UK, hosted by the UK government. UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting is also attending, and he and Rutte meet as part of the event, delivering brief remarks.
COP31 early warning event
In Antalya, Türkiye, an event on Early Warnings for All will be held as part of COP31. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to deliver remarks. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the World Meteorological Organization will also release the Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems report at the event.
Paris Peace Forum to bring together international leaders
The 9th edition of the Paris Peace Forum continues, bringing together political leaders, government officials and representatives of international organizations to discuss global governance, international security, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, artificial intelligence and climate challenges. The forum is held under the theme “From Sovereignty to Cooperation.”
European Commission’s weekly meeting in Brussels
European commissioners will gather in Brussels for their weekly meeting, after which they will hold a press conference.
European Parliament's plenary sitting in Brussels
Members of European Parliament meet in Brussels for a plenary session. Draft agenda includes support for Ukraine, cyber resilience, and further EU sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian president’s address in Danish parliament
Monitoring remarks from Danish side as President Volodymyr Zelenksyy delivers address to lawmakers.
France Armistice Day observance
France commemorates the end of World War I, which is observed as a public holiday. President Emmanuel Macron presides over proceedings.
General strike in Spain over housing crisis
Spain's two largest trade unions, UGT and CCOO, have called for a general strike as part of ongoing protests over the country's housing crisis. The strike is the first backed by both unions in 14 years, and comes just weeks before snap elections.
Storm Charles bashes Portugal, Spain with rain, gale winds
Storm Charles expected to pummel Portugal and parts of neighboring Spain with torrential rains, floods and hurricane-strength winds while the government ordered schools shut, advised people to stay at home and put rescue teams on high alert.
Bulgarians to protest over wages, pensions and budget
Bulgarians in seven cities will stage protests against the government's 2027 budget, which organizers say will reduce living standards by limiting wage and pension increases amid rising inflation and a higher tax burden.
Greeks protest over high housing costs in show of solidarity with Spain
Greek housing rights groups stage a protest in central Athens over high rents, high costs of buying homes and repossessions, in support of a general strike in Spain.
Trump delivers Veterans Day address at Arlington National Cemetery
US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetary, followed by presidential remarks honoring military veterans.
UN Security Council awaits report on Lebanon ceasefire resolution
The UN Security Council is due to receive a report on implementation of Resolution 1701, addressing security arrangements along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Brazil, Canada participate in COP31 climate summit in Türkiye
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will participate in the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya, while Brazil's COP30 presidency hosts discussions on transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Canadian Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin will begin her participation, including a ministerial meeting on methane emissions.
Canadian prime minister departs for European diplomatic summit
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will depart Ottawa for Dublin, Ireland, to attend the European Political Community summit, where European security and international cooperation are expected to feature prominently.
Pope Leo XIV concludes Argentina visit, travels to Peru
Pope Leo XIV will visit a federal prison in Buenos Aires and celebrate Mass in Lujan before departing for Peru, where he will meet the president and address political leaders, civil society representatives and diplomats.
SpaceX targets launch of classified US military mission
SpaceX is targeting the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the classified USSF-627 mission for the US Space Force from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch remains subject to schedule changes.
Latest round of trilateral Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi continue
Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv will be followed as US-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi continue for a second day. The first day of negotiations began on Tuesday morning and took place for about four-and-a-half hours.
Russia to host latest meeting of CSTO Collective Security Council
Russia's capital Moscow to host a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) Collective Security Council. According to the Kremlin, key aspects of cooperation, steps to further improve the collective security system of the CSTO, and current international and regional matters will be discussed during the talks. Several documents are expected to be signed amid the meeting.
Address of Eurasian leaders at COP31 in Türkiye
Developments on the part of Eurasian leaders will be followed amid the start of the high-level segment of the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. The high-level segment of COP31 will take place between Wednesday and Thursday.
Russia-Ukraine war
Russia and Ukraine continue to report on frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions continue on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges.
Asia-Pacific leaders address climate issues at COP31
Asia-Pacific leaders address climate issues at the COP31 summit in Antalya, Türkiye. The speakers include Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Kiribati President Taneti Maamau.
Cuban Foreign Minister continues China visit
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla continues his 3-day official visit to China.
Vietnamese president concludes Japan visit
Vietnamese President To Lam concludes his 4-day official visit to Japan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry holds news conference
Chinese Foreign Ministry holds regular news conference in Beijing and is expected to comment on evolving regional and international developments.
The ECONOMY
Germany’s inflation
Germany to release consumer prices index for October. The annual inflation rate was at 2.8% in September in the largest European economy and market expects no change for the month of October.
Türkiye’s retail sales
Turkish Statistical Institute to share retail sales data for September. Sales increased by 10.1% year-on-year in August.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Germany’s push to expand spy powers fuels fears of abuse
Report on Germany’s proposed expansion of intelligence agency powers, including AI-assisted data analysis and operational capabilities, and the debate over security needs, civil rights and safeguards against abuse.
The story outlines criticism from the opposition and the German Bar Association’s concerns over constitutional protections and attorney-client confidentiality. It also includes views from political activists, who warn that weakening the separation between intelligence services and police risks creating a new “secret police.”
The report also has comments from supporters of the legislation arguing that the reforms are necessary to counter espionage, sabotage and hybrid attacks.
INTERVIEW – Türkiye’s action agenda offers hope as COP process falls short, Swedish climate envoy says
Interview with Mattias Frumerie, Sweden’s climate ambassador and head of delegation to the UNFCCC, who says the COP process is failing to deliver needed decisions but welcomes the Turkish presidency’s focus on implementation.
He highlights initiatives on electrification and zero waste as platforms for countries and other actors to collaborate beyond formal negotiations and accelerate climate action.
The story also explores his call for a more efficient COP process that helps countries cut emissions, strengthen resilience and advance adaptation.
INTERVIEW – ‘We need a clear roadmap’: Cook Islands presses for climate finance at COP31
Interview with Wayne Alexander King, director of climate change for the Cook Islands, calling for concrete mechanisms to deliver the commitment to mobilize at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035.
King outlines vulnerable nations’ priorities, including increased adaptation funding and a clear roadmap for implementing existing financial commitments.
He also describes the technical and administrative barriers small island nations face in accessing climate funds, drawing on the Cook Islands’ experience of building its own expertise amid demand that far exceeds available financing.
INTERVIEW – ‘So the world can adjudicate’: South Africa seeks public hearing in ICJ genocide case against Israel, Pandor says
Interview with former South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, who calls for stronger ICJ measures and a public hearing on the merits of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.
She expresses cautious optimism that the new US Congress could show greater support for Palestinian rights and justice, while urging Washington to change its approach to Palestine and the occupation.
She also calls on the Global South to assert its collective power and independence, highlighting BRICS and its New Development Bank as vehicles for financing development on members’ own terms.