Global developments across various regions underscore the growing intensity and interconnectedness of political and security issues worldwide.
In Australia, thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters staged protests in several cities to oppose the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who has been accused of inciting genocide against Palestinians. In Sydney, demonstrations briefly clashed with police, who deployed pepper spray, while Herzog described his visit as an act of solidarity and characterized the protests as attempts to undermine Israel’s legitimacy. Activists and human rights organizations asserted that Herzog must remain accountable for the findings of a United Nations commission of inquiry regarding alleged incitement to genocide.
Meanwhile, in the United States, President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Canada and the United States. Trump demanded ownership of at least half of the bridge’s assets, despite the project being funded by the Canadian government and jointly owned. The threat drew criticism from Michigan officials, who argued that closing the bridge would negatively affect the economy, supply chains, and employment. It remains unclear how Trump could prevent the bridge’s scheduled opening earlier this year, while Canadian officials have denied his allegations regarding the project.
From Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, stated that Indonesia is considering deploying approximately 8,000 Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel to Gaza as part of an International Stabilization Force formed through the Board of Peace to de-escalate the conflict, which would total 20,000 personnel. For the time being, the Indonesian government is preparing the scheme and awaiting international agreement. The government emphasized that the mission reflects Indonesia’s commitment to supporting Palestine, with the aim of reducing escalation and facilitating humanitarian access to Gaza.
In Canada, on Tuesday 10 February, a mass shooting occurred in the small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, resulting in eight fatalities. Six victims were killed at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two others at a nearby residence. In addition to the fatalities, at least 25 individuals were injured. The perpetrator, 18-year-old former student Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after allegedly killing his mother and stepbrother at home before proceeding to the school. The motive remains under investigation. The tragedy has shaken the local community, prompting authorities to declare a day of mourning and national leaders to express condolences.
The United Kingdom government announced a £500 million military assistance package to support Ukraine in confronting the Russian invasion, including the delivery of 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles, 1,200 air defense missiles, and 200,000 artillery rounds. The assistance also includes £150 million allocated to NATO’s Priority Ukraine Requirements List to coordinate the rapid delivery of air defense interceptors. UK Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the commitment of the United Kingdom and its allies to continue supporting Ukraine as the fifth year of the invasion approaches, while the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, attended by 50 countries, discussed Ukraine’s military needs for 2026 and future equipment deliveries.
In South Asia, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party won the first competitive election since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in the 2024 uprising, marking the party’s return to government leadership under Tarique Rahman. The party pledged to restore democratic institutions and the economy, which it argues were undermined over the past decade, amid demands from younger generations that the new administration avoid repeating authoritarian and corrupt practices. Significant challenges remain, including restoring security, economic stability, and job creation, while the election outcome has been overshadowed by the exclusion of the Awami League, which was barred from participating and remains controversial.
In the socio-cultural sphere, a heated debate erupted on social media between Southeast Asian and South Korean netizens, triggered by an incident at a Day6 concert in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday 31 January. Several Malaysian fans criticized a Korean fansite for bringing professional cameras prohibited by the organizers. Although the fansite later issued an apology, the dispute escalated into mutual criticism concerning culture, social conditions, and the entertainment industry, involving users from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The controversy subsequently spread across multiple platforms and evolved into a broader regional debate.
Source:
Limaye, Yogita. “Can Bangladesh’s new leader bring change after election landslide?”. BBC News. 14 Februari 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0ex5d4g6xo.
Lukiv, Jaroslav. “Tumbler Ridge mass shooting: What we know so far”. BBC News. 13 Februari 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e98w35qyjo.
Muhaimin. “Inggris Akan Kirim 1.000 Rudal ke Ukraina untuk Melawan Rusia”. Sindonews. 13 Februari 2026. https://international.sindonews.com/read/1676613/41/inggris-akan-kirim-1000-rudal-ke-ukraina-untuk-melawan-rusia-1770944562?showpage=all.
“RI Bakal kirim 8.000 Pasukan TNI ke Gaza Dukung Misi Board of Peace”. CNN Indonesia. 10 Februari 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260210192915-106-1326781/ri-bakal-kirim-8000-pasukan-tni-ke-gaza-dukung-misi-board-of-peace.
Saad, Nardine. “ Trump threatens to block opening of US-Canada bridge”. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw052pkvl0o.
Sukri, Hazeeq. “How a K-pop concert in Malaysia led to a war of words between Southeast Asian and Korean netizens”. CNA. 15 Februari 2026. https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/seablings-korea-online-fight-day6-fansite-578476.
“Thousands protest against Israeli President Herzog’s Australia visit”. Aljazeera. 9 Februari 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/9/thousands-protest-against-israeli-president-herzogs-australia-visit.