Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
US-Iran tensions and regional reactions to US elections
Developments in tensions between Washington and Tehran following the Democratic Party’s reported victory in the US midterm elections, amid questions over the future of American military operations against Iran. Attention will focus on reactions from Middle Eastern countries, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and Iran’s announcement that it shot down a US drone over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
Israel’s post-election political landscape
Political developments following the certification of Israel’s parliamentary election results, as President Isaac Herzog concludes consultations with political parties ahead of tasking a lawmaker with forming a government. Attention will focus on coalition negotiations, the positions of Arab parties, possible scenarios for ending the political deadlock and reactions to the US midterm election results.
Gaza and occupied West Bank developments
Developments in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank amid continued Israeli military operations, attacks by illegal Israeli occupiers and displacement of Palestinians. Attention will focus on humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the reported forced displacement of around 50 Palestinians from Saruj village west of Jenin.
Saudi Arabia faces renewed Houthi attacks
Security developments in Saudi Arabia following four early warnings issued by Civil Defense authorities Wednesday, including one in Riyadh, amid continued Houthi missile and drone attacks. The group claimed responsibility for targeting King Khalid International Airport in the capital with a ballistic missile.
Syrian president’s visit to Saudi Arabia
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa continues his visit to Riyadh on Thursday, accompanied by a high-level delegation including senior ministers and the intelligence chief. Attention will focus on meetings with Saudi officials and possible agreements on reconstruction, investment, security and bilateral cooperation.
Yemen government forces advance in Jawf
Military developments in Yemen following government forces’ announcement that they had captured the strategically important Duhayda mountain range in northern Jawf province after clashes with the Houthis. Attention will focus on further advances toward the Houthi-held provincial capital, Hazm, and possible counterattacks.
Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon
Developments in southern Lebanon following an Israeli drone strike that killed one person and injured another in Qabrikha, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Further Israeli attacks, border incidents and violations of existing security arrangements will be monitored.
Sudan fighting in West Kordofan
Military and humanitarian developments in Sudan following the army’s announcement that it has regained control of the strategic Umm Marahik area in West Kordofan state after clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Attention will focus on further fighting, territorial developments and civilian displacement.
Libya-Egypt defense cooperation
Developments during Libyan Deputy Defense Minister Abdulsalam al-Zoubi’s visit to Cairo, following talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging expertise.
Financial markets conference in Cairo
The 49th Interarab Cambist Association Conference opens its three-day program in Cairo Thursday, bringing together financial market representatives to discuss monetary policy, investment opportunities and the impact of geopolitical tensions on regional and international markets.
EU foreign policy chief visits Portugal
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to hold a bilateral meeting with Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo in Lisbon, Portugal, where she will also meet with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel.
EU lawmakers hold meeting on trade restrictions on illegal Israeli settlement goods
European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade to hold a session to discuss trade measures on products from illegal Israeli settlements.
German chancellor addresses Hayek conference
Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks on Germany's competitiveness and open markets at a conference of the free-market Friedrich August von Hayek Foundation in Berlin.
UNEP report on net-zero
UN Environment Program is expected to release the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance Annual Progress Report.
France nationwide strikes and protests
Major French trade unions call for a national interprofessional strike and demonstrations, demanding higher wages, stronger public services and action against the cost of living. Marches are expected across the country, including in Paris, with disruptions anticipated in transport, schools and public services. Authorities have classified the day as high-risk.
Spain hosts Iberoamerican Summit 2026
30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government will conclude in Madrid, bringing together leaders from Latin America, Spain and Portugal to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among member nations.
Vickrum Digwa's life sentence to be reviewed by Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal in England will hear competing challenges to the 21-year minimum prison term given to Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa argues that his sentence is too long, while the UK government argues it is too lenient and should be increased. The case is significant because the court's decision could change the minimum time Digwa must spend in prison and clarify how the severity of life sentences is assessed in serious murder cases.
Student protests in Greece
Greek students protest against education conditions and high living costs. Teachers are also expected to stand by students.
European Parliament president visits Poland
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola meets Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk during her visit to Warsaw.
Vote count continues in unresolved congressional races
Vote counting will continue in several closely contested House and Senate races following Democrats' victories in Tuesday’s midterms, which secured them control of both chambers of Congress. Outstanding results will determine the size of the party's majorities.
White House to host Russian and Ukrainian representatives
US First Lady Melania Trump to host Russian and Ukrainian representatives at the White House to discuss a localized ceasefire in Ukraine's Kherson region aimed at facilitating humanitarian assistance and civilian evacuations.
UN Security Council to review Abyei peacekeeping mission
UN Security Council to review security conditions in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan and the future of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei ahead of its Nov. 15 mandate expiry.
UN Security Council to hold eighth straw poll for UN chief
UN Security Council will conduct its eighth informal straw poll to assess candidates seeking to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, including Türkiye’s newly nominated Feridun Sinirlioglu.
UN Security Council to receive Yemen sanctions briefing
UN Security Council is expected to receive a briefing on the Yemen sanctions regime ahead of the mid-November expiry of existing measures, with discussions likely to focus on implementation and Houthi activities.
Talks on Ukraine reconstruction, security guarantees continue in Brussels
Representatives from Ukraine, US, UK, France and Germany alongside NATO officials will continue talks on security guarantees for Ukraine in Brussels.
Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to address a number of international issues at a press briefing in Moscow.
Russia-Ukraine war
Developments in Russia-Ukraine war as both countries continue to report on frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions continue on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges.
Jordanian king, Tajik president to conduct visits to Kazakhstan
Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to conduct official visits to Kazakhstan, where they will individually meet Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The two leaders will arrive in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on two- and three-day visits, respectively, amid a summit of the Aqaba Process, an international security initiative launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II.
China International Import Expo opens in Shanghai
9th China International Import Expo opens in Shanghai. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang delivers opening statement and foreign leaders, including Gabonese President Nguema, Austrian Chancellor Stokkel, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Perez-Oliva, attend 1st of the 6-day event.
Hong Kong court delivers verdict in national security case
Developments and reactions after a court in Hong Kong sentenced former student activist Joshua Wong to 10 years in jail in his 2nd national security case related to anti-government protests which rocked the semi-autonomous region in 2019.
Ex-Indonesian President Jokowi testifies before court
Developments as former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, popular as Jokowi, testifies in the defamation trial involving Roy Suryo, who is accused of having a fake diploma.
Indonesia on alert after top officials arrested over wiretapping
Developments as Indonesia boosted security measures after presidential chief of staff, Listyo Sigit, as well as two senior police officers were arrested on suspicion of illegally wiretapping the president, others.
East Timor president visits South Korea
East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta begins a 3-day visit to South Korea. During the visit, he will hold a bilateral summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
North Korea reveals details of suspected missile launches
Developments and reactions as North Korea says it tested an advanced air-defense missile system as well as hit a virtual airport using long-range strategic cruise missile. Confirmation comes a day after South Korea said Pyongyang fired multiple missiles.
China’s Foreign Ministry holds news briefing
China’s Foreign Ministry holds regular news conference.
Ousted South Korean president Yoon’s appeal hearing concludes
Seoul's High Court conclude hearings in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's appeal over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024, with a verdict expected at a later date. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Yoon.
THE ECONOMY
Euro area producer inflation
Eurostat to share monthly producer inflation data for September. In August, the monthly producer inflation climbed to 1.9%. Markets expect it to rise to 2.6% in September.
UK interest rate decision
Bank of England to announce its interest rate decision. In its previous meeting, the central bank held the policy rate unchanged at 3.75%. Markets expect the bank to raise it to 4% for this meeting.
US jobless claims
US to release weekly initial jobless claims data for last week (Economy team from Istanbul to follow, with no breaking and no visual)
SPECIAL REPORTS
US and Israel elections: Can Arab and Muslim electoral gains translate into lasting political power?
Report examining whether the growing political visibility of Arab and Muslim communities in the US and of Arab-led parties in Israel reflects a short-term electoral response or a lasting shift in political influence.
The story will include comments from analysts from the US and Israel, comparing what drove voter mobilization and how it translated into representation in each country.
The report also assesses what that representation could mean beyond election day, from shaping party priorities and policy debates in the US to influencing coalition negotiations in Israel.
INTERVIEW – After midterm rout, EU Parliament defense panel chair sees pressure on Trump to shift foreign policies
Interview with Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament’s security and defense subcommittee, on how the US midterm results could affect Washington’s approach to the Middle East, Ukraine and NATO.
The German FDP lawmaker shares why she sees the results as a signal that voters want Trump to end the Middle East war amid surging oil prices. She says he could face pressure to reduce the US troop presence in the region.
Strack-Zimmermann says European NATO members should take more responsibility for their own defense and hopes Democrats will press Trump to change his Ukraine policy. She cautions against expecting sweeping changes while Trump remains president.
EXPLAINER – What to know about New Zealand’s general election
Explainer on New Zealand’s Nov. 7 general election, with more than 3.7 million enrolled voters and the cost of living, health care and rising fuel prices among their top concerns.
The story explains how the mixed-member proportional system works, why voters cast separate ballots for a party and a local representative, and when results are expected.
It also profiles the main contenders, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who leads the governing National Party, and opposition leader Chris Hipkins of the center-left Labour Party, and outlines what polling suggests about the race.