Morning Brief: Iran and North Korea go ballistic
Top Story The two remaining members of George W. Bush’s “axis of evil” both grabbed headlines this morning. North Korea is reportedly preparing to test-launch a ballistic missile as tensions with the South rise. North Korea has notably escalated its rhetoric in since South Korean president Lee Myung-bak cut aid last year. Analysts suspected the ...
Top Story
Top Story
The two remaining members of George W. Bush’s “axis of evil” both grabbed headlines this morning. North Korea is reportedly preparing to test-launch a ballistic missile as tensions with the South rise. North Korea has notably escalated its rhetoric in since South Korean president Lee Myung-bak cut aid last year. Analysts suspected the move was also an attempt to grab the attention of U.S. president Barack Obama. Obama spoke with Lee, pledging further cooperation.
Iran, meanwhile, launched its first domestically produced space satellite. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the launch was meant to spread “monotheism, peace and justice.” The launch is a sign that Iranian missile technology is slowly but surely advancing.
Middle East
Veteran negotiator Christopher Hill has been nominated ambassador to Iraq.
Hamas leader Khaled Meshal visited Tehran to thank Iran for its support.
The timing of the Gaza withdrawal has emerged as a central issue in the Israeli elections.
Europe
The European Union criticized the “Buy American” clause in Obama’s stimulus package.
A prominent cardinal came very close to criticizing Pope Benedict for rehabilitating a holocaust-denying bishop.
Iceland’s new prime minister asked the country’s central bankers to resign.
Asia and Pacific
An American U.N. official was captured by gunmen in southern Pakistan.
The IMF cut Asia’s growth prospects in half.
Australia rolled out an economic stimulus package that includes an interest rate cut and US$27 billion in new government spending.
Americas
Barack Obama will name Republican Senator Judd Gregg as Commerce Secretary.
Hundreds of police are occupying one of Sao Paulo’s biggest slums after a night of deadly rioting.
Hugo Chavez celebrated 10 years in power with a summit of Latin American leftists.
Africa
After taking over as chaiman of the African Union, Muammar Qadaffi promised to push for a “United States of Africa.”
An AU convoy was bombed in Somalia, killing 18.
Zimbabwe cut 12 zeroes off its currency.
Photo: /AFP/Getty Images
Joshua Keating is a former associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
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