Guest: Andrew Staroska

 

Nuclear Iran

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8VuxcQxXgg

Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Geneva this weekend to continue on-going nuclear negotiations.

The Israeli government has expressed concerns over the talks, so U.S. national security advisor Susan Rice has invited her Israeli counterpart to the White House to discuss the issue.

A report Thursday from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that Iran has still not provided all the requested information for their investigation.

Al-Shabaab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJeInfvg2pk

Al-Shabaab attacked a luxury hotel in Somalia over the weekend, killing 25, including multiple senior level government officials such as the Mayor and two members of parliament. Al-Shabaab also called for attacks on malls, specifically the Mall of America, much like their attack on Westgate Mall in 2013.

 Ukraine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GIJMJAX3yc

Ukraine’s ceasefire went into effect last weekend. At least one separatist group refused to follow the truce, and fighting slowed but did not stop. More than 60 violations occurred in the first day.

Throughout the week, both sides refused to honor a section of the deal requiring the removal of heavy artillery. Pro-separatist rebels continued attacking, refusing to concede to any part of the deal. In return, forces loyal to Ukraine’s government said they would not pull back heavy weapons until the rebels abide by the ceasefire.

After a damaging defeat of the Ukrainian army by separatist rebels in Debaltseve, Kyiv requested U.N. peacekeeping forces to enforce the Minsk ceasefire. Ukraine’s army was forced to retreat from the town.

The “defense ministry” of the Donetsk People’s Republic claimed that 3000 troops from Kyiv had been killed and 3000 more soldiers captured. Ukraine’s government has not verified any numbers yet.

THUNDER ROUND

Europe:

Muslims in Oslo, protect synagogue: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/21/norways-muslims-form-pro_n_6727164.html

Asia:

North Korea still freaking out over ebola: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-31581935

Middle East:

Syria: executions by ISIS continue: http://www.rferl.org/content/islamic-state-syria-executions/26860456.html

North America:

The U.S. is reviewing troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

South America:  

Venezuela blames U.S. for “coup”: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/23/world/americas/amid-venezuelas-economic-chaos-a-political-crackdown.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

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

Early elections in Kazakhstan: http://www.rferl.org/content/kazakhstans-ruling-party-backs-early-presdeitial-poll/26851857.html

Eurasia:

Russia signs treaty with South Ossetia: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-south-ossetia-sign-border-agreement/26856046.html

Africa:

More Boko Haram attacks, including female suicide bomber only 7, in Nigeria: http://www.rferl.org/content/nigeria-bombing-market-child-bomber-suicide/26862850.html