Hello, Kawan HI! International dynamics continue to be marked by various events that highlight the complexity of relations between countries. From escalating conflicts in the Middle East and security threats in Europe to international cooperation in addressing climate change, here are some of the major developments this week.
In Yemen, the conflict between the Houthi group and government forces backed by Saudi Arabia has escalated once again. On Saturday (November 9), approximately 33 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed in a Saudi airstrike in the city of Al-Shariyah, Yemen. Houthi-run media also reported that 39 people were injured, as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensified.
A total of 35 countries have urged their citizens to prepare emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine, and emergency bags, to deal with potential threats such as war, extreme weather, and cyberattacks. Most countries recommend preparing supplies for three days, while Sweden and Norway advise their citizens to prepare for a week, and Germany recommends supplies for up to 10 days.
On the environmental front, the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) officially opened in Antalya, Türkiye, focusing on the transition to clean energy, emission reductions, climate financing, and the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. However, for the second consecutive year, the administration of President Donald Trump has not sent an official United States delegation due to its decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC.
Turning to the Middle East, the US military has established Task Force Iron Gate to cut off Iran’s land-based supply routes, expanding its blockade of the country’s ports. The task force is responsible for preventing the shipment of weapons, technology, and sanctioned materials through Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea.
Diwali celebrations have also highlighted international relations through various cultural events held in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Pakistan, Venezuela, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Guyana, Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago, and Israel. Several world leaders also extended their greetings, emphasizing messages of peace, unity, and cultural diversity.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections has enabled the party to gain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, marking a political setback for President Donald Trump. The results were influenced by rising living costs and Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran. This shift in power in Congress could also affect US foreign policy, ranging from trade relations with China to the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.
Beyond cultural celebrations, relations between China and the United States have also attracted attention through panda diplomacy. Two giant pandas from China, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, were officially introduced to visitors at Zoo Atlanta in the United States on Friday (November 6). The two pandas have been loaned by China to stay at the zoo for 10 years as part of its panda diplomacy program.
Source:
“China’s giant pandas make public debut at US zoo”. CNA. 7 November 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/china-panda-us-zoo-atlanta-6532496.
“Diwali celebrated across world with greetings from global leaders”. Akashvani News. 8 November 2026. https://newsonair.gov.in/diwali-celebrated-across-world-with-greetings-from-global-leaders/.
“35 Negara Minta Warga Timbun Makanan & Tas Darurat, Ada Apa?”. CNBC Indonesia. 6 November 2026. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20261105200531-4-782766/35-negara-minta-warga-timbun-makanan-tas-darurat-ada-apa.
Peck, Dan., dan Matthew Glasser. “What to know about COP31: International climate conference begins Monday”. Abc News. 7 November 2026. https://abcnews.com/US/cop31-international-climate-conference-begins-monday/story?id=137885179.
“Apa dampak kemenangan Partai Demokrat dalam pemilu sela AS terhadap Timur Tengah hingga China?” BBC News Indonesia. 7 November 2026. https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/c6djvv2r7gedo.
Usher, Sebastian. “Houthis say at least 33 killed in Saudi air strike”. BBC. 8 September 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c65yn1v99ypmo.
“US launches task force to disrupt Iran’s land-based supply routes”. Aljazeera. 8 November 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/8/us-launches-task-force-to-disrupt-irans-land-based-supply-routes.
Zurcher, Anthony. “Partai Demokrat kalahkan Partai Republik pada pemilu sela, kuasai DPR dan Senat”. BBC News Indonesia. 4 November 2026. https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/cmz7xzeexwy4o.