Guest: JUST ME!

 

Japanese Hostage Crisis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izPbmnVmCnA

The Islamic State released a video of two Japanese hostages, Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa. In a break from previous ISIS messages, the terrorists announced a 72-hour deadline to receive a $200 million ransom. While announcing a deadline is new to ISIS, the request for ransom money is not.

A video released this weekend, and a follow-up radio announcement, confirmed that one of the hostages was beheaded this weekend, after the deadline was not met. Additionally, ISIS is now demanding the release of a terrorist prisoner to secure the second Japanese hostage’s release.

(Also see: http://www.ijreview.com/2015/01/239080-more-brutal-911-says-man-tortured-isis/?utm_content=buffer208e0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)

 

Greek Elections

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lA_DEUx5w0

The left-wing Syriza party won Greek elections this weekend with 36% of the vote, making Alexis Tsipras the next Prime Minister. Syriza will reject austerity measures and challenge the European Union. The only question that remains is if Syriza will need a coalition, or if it will be able to rule on its own as a single part.

 

  Russian Spies in America

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6clug1SU0Dg

Turns are there are “economic espionage spies” in the U.S. They are not news, the investigation started in 2010 but charges were only announced yesterday against 3 Russians (only one is left in the U.S.). Charges have all the hallmarks of Cold War Era spying: clandestine meetings, coded messages and the exchanging of documents.Russia has declined to comment. Interesting timing considering Russia’s economic woes and new “junk” rating.

https://inmoscowsshadows.wordpress.com/2015/01/26/first-thoughts-on-arrest-of-russian-spy-in-new-york/

THUNDER ROUND

 

Middle East:

The U.S. also unfroze an addition $490 million in Iranian cash assets (part of an $11.9 billion plan covering the last 2 years).

North America:

As Yemen reaches a crisis point, the U.S. has opted to close its embassy in the country. However, the White House says counter-terrorism initiatives in Yemen will continue.

South America:  

After the mysterious death of Argentine prosecutor, Alberto Nisman, President Cristina Fernandez announced she will disband Argentina's intelligence agency.

Central Asia Region (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan… and sometimes Kazakhstan) “TEA” region - Triangle (sometimes Trapezoid) of Ethnic Attacks:

“Terrorists” arrested in Kyrgyzsta’s Osh http://www.rferl.org/content/kyrgyzstan-terror-suspects-syria-osh-robbery/26813151.html

Eurasia:

Ukraine peace talks: abject failure http://time.com/3683630/moscow-nato-ukraine-fighting-accusations/

Africa:

Ebola on decline in Africa: http://www.ijreview.com/2015/01/234909-american-tax-payer-dollars-fund-ebola-centers-yet-treat-single-patient/

Europe:

A month later, Moldova forms a government http://www.rferl.org/content/moldova/26809974.html

Asia:

Obama attends India’s Republic Day http://www.rferl.org/content/obama-india-visit/26812236.html