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Just six months into his tenure, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his ruling coalition are mired in mounting infighting, policy paralysis, and plunging approval ratings, weakening the government’s ability to counter the rise of the far-right. For the new chancellor, it has been an undeniably rocky start.

A conservative politician, Merz campaigned on promises to revive the economy, strengthen defense, and reform immigration, but he has struggled to deliver. “In postwar German political history, no government has provoked such widespread discontent in such a short time,” said Manfred Guellner, head of the polling institute Forsa, in an interview with AFP. “Those who expected stronger leadership from the new government are now almost universally disappointed,” he added.

Merz’s center-right Christian Democratic/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance won the February election, but recent polls show it neck and neck with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD, which finished second in the election, has since become the largest opposition party in parliament.

Meanwhile, the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, continues to languish after its electoral defeat, polling at just 13% to 15%. CDU lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter admitted that “many citizens are clearly dissatisfied and disappointed with the government’s performance,” criticizing it for being “too focused on immigration while neglecting key issues such as the economy, education, and security.”

Tensions within the ruling coalition have been escalating. Since Merz failed to secure confirmation as chancellor in the first round of parliamentary voting in May, divisions within the alliance have deepened. In July, negotiations over the appointment of three Constitutional Court judges collapsed, with conservatives accusing the SPD’s nominees of being “too left-leaning.”

A group of young conservative lawmakers has publicly opposed the cabinet-approved pension reform plan, claiming it would “burden future generations.” Meanwhile, the government’s military service reform, seen as a symbol of Germany’s leadership role within NATO, has stalled amid disputes over whether to reintroduce limited conscription.

Further controversy erupted when Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, a close ally of Merz, expressed reservations about deporting Syrian refugees from Germany — sparking backlash from conservative ranks.

According to Aiko Wagner, a political scientist at Free University of Berlin, the simultaneous decline in support for both the CDU/CSU and SPD has made it “increasingly difficult for the two parties to find common ground.” He noted, “Both sides fear that any compromise could further alienate their core voters.”

The U.S. government shutdown has entered its 38th day, with air traffic controllers and security personnel missing work in large numbers after weeks without pay, causing a significant disruption to domestic air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week ordered 40 high-traffic airports to reduce flight operations by 4% starting Friday (local time) and plans to raise the reduction to 10% by November 14. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, the “worst-case scenario” could force flight reductions of up to 20% during certain periods.

Real-time data show that since the shutdown began on October 1, absenteeism among air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers has led to a sharp increase in flight delays and cancellations. Aviation data indicate that in recent days, over a thousand flights per day have been delayed or canceled, affecting several million passengers in total. Both airlines and travelers are expressing growing concern about the approaching Thanksgiving travel rush.

The FAA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasized that these measures are driven by safety considerations. The FAA has implemented air traffic flow restrictions at several major airports, requiring airlines to cancel or reschedule flights to “reduce airspace pressure and ensure safe operating intervals for crews and controllers.” Secretary Duffy told the media that if staffing shortages worsen, flight reductions could increase gradually from the current 4% to 10%, 15%, or even “as high as 20%.” He urged Congress to act swiftly to reopen the government and prevent broader flight disruptions.

Multiple media and industry reports added that the impact extends to both domestic and some international flights. The hardest-hit hubs include New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco — airports where any staffing shortage quickly triggers cascading delays. According to Reuters, absentee rates among controllers vary widely by airport, ranging from 20% to 40% daily, and in some hubs have reached as high as 80%, significantly reducing available air traffic capacity.

Airlines now face a double burden: complying with FAA-mandated flight cuts while struggling to adjust fleets and staffing amid waves of passenger rescheduling and cancellations. Major U.S. carriers have already begun reducing flight frequencies and adjusting timetables, warning passengers of heightened risks of delays and cancellations. Some reports suggest that if the shutdown continues into the holiday peak, overall flight capacity could fall by up to 20%, affecting ticket supply, pricing, and the broader transportation network.

This shutdown marks one of the longest in U.S. history, forcing federal employees to work without pay or take unpaid leave. Critical services in defense, border security, homeland security, and transportation have all been affected. The aviation sector, which relies heavily on federally managed personnel like air traffic controllers and TSA agents, is among the first industries to feel the direct impact. Whether Congress and the White House can resolve their political impasse soon will directly determine how quickly flight operations can recover.

As flight disruptions continue to mount, travel experts and media outlets are advising passengers to: reconfirm flight status before departure, stay alert to airline notifications, avoid tight connections during peak hours, and consider adjusting travel dates. Those planning international or holiday travel are urged to contact airlines or travel agencies early to minimize risk.
With the shutdown now in its 38th day, pressure on the aviation sector shows no sign of easing. If the political stalemate drags on and staffing levels at major airports fail to recover, Secretary Duffy’s warning of “up to 20% flight reductions” could shift from a worst-case projection to a grim reality — one that may reshape nationwide travel and ripple across the U.S. economy.

On November 6, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration had reached an agreement with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to drastically cut the prices of GLP-1–based weight-loss medications. In exchange, the government will remove tariffs previously imposed on the two companies. Under the deal, GLP-1 weight-loss injections will drop from over $1,000 to $245 per month, while the oral version will be priced at $149 per month.

According to the agreement, Medicare and Medicaid will begin covering weight-loss drugs, and a new government website called **TrumpRX.gov** will launch in January next year, offering discounted prescription drug prices. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have also pledged to manufacture the medications within the United States.

A brief incident occurred during the press conference held in the Oval Office— a pharmaceutical company representative standing behind President Trump suddenly fainted, causing a temporary interruption. Dr. Mehmet Oz, whom Trump appointed as the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provided immediate assistance. The representative is reportedly in stable condition and has not suffered any serious harm.

The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 30 to November 13. During the conference, future work plans for the next two years were determined. On November 5, the conference passed a resolution to designate March 21 of each year as “International Taijiquan Day.” This initiative aims to promote human health and well-being, foster exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, and contribute to global harmony and peace.

March 21 marks the Spring Equinox, a time when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing the natural rhythm of balance and harmony—an idea that resonates deeply with the philosophy of Taijiquan. In 2020, Taijiquan was inscribed on UNESCO’s “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” The martial art embodies the principles of “balance,” “peace,” “harmony,” “respect,” and “gentleness overcoming strength,” which align with UNESCO’s mission to “build peace in the minds of men and women.”

This marks the first time that the United Nations has named an International Day after a martial art, signifying global recognition of Taijiquan. Originating in China with a history of around 400 years, Taijiquan is now practiced by an estimated 300 to 600 million people across more than 180 countries worldwide.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited South Korea on November 3, joining South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonn-sik (Ahn Gyu-bae) on an inspection tour of Panmunjom, located within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border between North and South Korea. On November 4, the two participated in the annual South Korea–U.S. Military Security Talks, discussing the development of the bilateral military alliance and strategies to counter North Korea’s nuclear threat. Following the meeting, they announced that both nations are drafting a joint communiqué on their military alliance.

Hegseth stated that, to enhance U.S. regional response flexibility, Washington may adjust the role of the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, allowing for more flexible deployment in response to China’s military activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, as part of efforts to maintain the balance of military power in Asia. Under pressure from former President Donald Trump, South Korea also pledged to significantly increase its defense spending and strengthen its own military capabilities to counter the threat from North Korea, thereby enabling the U.S. to focus more on countering China’s regional expansion.

On November 4, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung urged lawmakers in the National Assembly to approve an 8.2% increase in next year’s defense budget, aimed at modernizing the military’s weapons systems, enhancing self-defense capabilities, and reducing dependence on the United States.

South Korea currently maintains a military force of about 450,000 personnel, and has continuously upgraded its combat capabilities over the past two decades. Seoul also seeks to take wartime operational control of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command. The South Korean government plans to expand defense spending and take responsibility for maintaining U.S. naval vessels. During his visit to South Korea, Trump also expressed support for South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-bae stated that if the United States provides nuclear fuel, construction of the first nuclear-powered submarine could be completed around 2035. Regarding the question of whether South Korea would develop nuclear weapons, Ahn emphasized that South Korea is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and therefore, South Korea will not develop nuclear weapons.”

To combat scam-related crimes, Singapore’s Parliament has passed the "Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill" after its third reading, introducing tougher penalties — including caning — for those involved in fraud. Individuals who provide SIM cards or data from the national digital identity system, "Singpass", to criminals for scam operations may face at least six and up to 24 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

Aimed at curbing the surge in scam activities, the newly passed bill specifies that offenders involved in serious fraud cases may face long prison sentences, heavy fines, and up to 24 strokes of the cane. The enactment of this law underscores the Singapore government’s zero-tolerance stance toward financial scams and its determination to suppress both local and cross-border fraud networks.

According to the new provisions, those who commit fraud through false information, forged identities, or online means — particularly in cases involving large sums of money, numerous victims, or major social impact — may face prison terms exceeding 10 years, along with judicially imposed caning of up to 24 strokes. This represents one of the harshest penalties for scam-related offenses in Singapore’s history.

The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that scam cases have become one of the country’s most pressing criminal issues. Police statistics show that in 2024, scam cases rose by nearly 40% compared to the previous year, with total losses exceeding S$600 million. Authorities added that many scams are linked to transnational networks that exploit social media, e-commerce platforms, and fake investment sites to deceive victims.

During parliamentary debate, Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam stated that Singapore must adopt stronger deterrent measures to safeguard citizens’ assets. He emphasized, “We must not only catch scammers but also ensure they pay the price. Caning is a severe but necessary measure that effectively deters potential offenders.”

Following the bill’s passage, some human rights groups voiced concern, arguing that corporal punishment violates humanitarian principles. However, the government responded that caning has long been part of Singapore’s criminal justice system and is applied only to the most serious and harmful offenses.

Police have also urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid trusting unknown calls and links, and verify all financial transactions through official websites. The new law is expected to take effect in early 2026, granting enforcement agencies stronger legal tools to combat the ever-evolving landscape of scam crimes.

Earthquake-prone Afghanistan was struck once again by a powerful magnitude 6.3 quake around 4:30 a.m. Taiwan time today (Nov. 3). The quake struck at a depth of about 28 kilometers, and tremors were felt in neighboring Pakistan and Iran. Because the earthquake occurred just after midnight in a remote area, the death toll has already exceeded 20, with more than 300 injured — numbers that continue to rise. The famous Blue Mosque was also damaged.

Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan’s fourth-largest city with a population of about 520,000, was among the affected areas. The city’s iconic landmark, the Blue Mosque, suffered damage in the quake. The mosque’s floor was covered with fallen debris, but fortunately, the main structure appeared largely intact. The mosque is a sacred Sunni Muslim site believed to be the burial place of Ali, the fourth caliph. The current structure, completed in the 15th century, is renowned for its vivid blue tiles and intricate design, making it a major pilgrimage destination.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was classified under an “orange alert,” indicating the likelihood of significant casualties and widespread damage. The affected area lies in the Hindu Kush mountain range, along the Eurasian tectonic plate boundary — one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The Afghan government has dispatched military units to assist in relief operations. Earlier this year, in late August, a magnitude 6.0 quake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing nearly 3,000 people and injuring 4,000 more — a grim reminder that the country’s traditional mud and timber buildings are especially vulnerable to earthquakes.

On November 1, the White House released details of the agreement reached during the U.S.-China leaders’ meeting. According to the announcement, China will temporarily ease certain export controls on rare earths and critical minerals and issue general export licenses allowing global shipments of rare earths, gallium, germanium, antimony, and graphite, benefiting U.S. end users and suppliers. This move effectively cancels China’s previous tariff measures on U.S. agricultural products. Beijing will also terminate multiple investigations targeting U.S. semiconductor companies and assist the Netherlands-based Onsemi in resuming shipments from its factories in China to stabilize chip production.

Under the agreement, China will purchase at least 12 million tons of U.S. soybeans between November and December this year and commit to annual purchases of no less than 25 million metric tons over the next three years. China has also agreed to resume imports of U.S. sorghum and logs, signaling its intention to deepen agricultural trade cooperation. The move is seen as a key step toward easing bilateral trade tensions.

China has further pledged to strengthen controls on exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals, halt shipments of related materials to North America, and enhance global chemical export oversight. In response, the United States will reduce tariffs on Chinese fentanyl-related products from 20% to 10% starting November 10 and extend the Section 301 tariff exemptions for another year. President Trump stated that if China continues to curb fentanyl outflows, the U.S. may lift the remaining tariffs and suspend new port fees to promote bilateral cooperation.

Reuters reported that U.S. President Donald Trump denied having decided to strike military targets inside Venezuela, contradicting earlier media reports claiming he had approved such an attack.

When asked about the matter aboard Air Force One on the 31st, Trump replied, “No.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also dismissed the reports on social media platform X, writing, “Those so-called ‘informed sources’ misled you and made you write fake news.”

Earlier, when asked about a Miami Herald report, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said, “Those anonymous sources have no idea what they’re talking about,” emphasizing that any official announcement would come directly from President Trump himself.

The Miami Herald had earlier reported that the Trump administration had decided to launch strikes on military facilities inside Venezuela and that the operation could begin at any moment. The report caused a surge in international oil prices, which later stabilized following denials from Trump and Rubio.

Previously, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, the U.S. conducted airstrikes off the Venezuelan coast against several speedboats allegedly carrying narcotics, killing about 61 suspected traffickers. At the same time, the U.S. deployed amphibious assault ships in the Caribbean and began military exercises. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking assistance from Russia, China, and Iran to strengthen his outdated military capabilities in preparation for possible U.S. military action.

Media reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed last month to hold a U.S.–Russia summit in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, to discuss how to end the Russia–Ukraine war. However, just a few days after the meeting’s conclusion, Russia submitted a memorandum to the United States outlining its terms for a ceasefire with Ukraine. Following a review of the document, the U.S. decided to cancel the planned summit.

According to informed sources, the Russian memorandum reiterated Moscow’s demands, which it described as addressing the “root causes” of its invasion of Ukraine. These demands reportedly include Ukraine ceding more territory, significantly reducing its military forces**, and guaranteeing that it will never join NATO.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone call to discuss the issue. After the call, Rubio informed Trump that Moscow had shown no genuine willingness to negotiate, leading Washington to decide to call off the summit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated last month that while Ukraine is open to peace talks, it will not withdraw from additional territory as a precondition demanded by Russia. So far, media reports on this issue have not been independently confirmed, and neither Washington nor Moscow has made an official comment.