5 Minute International Update 02/05/2013
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad visits Egypt in the wake of their political turmoil and his loss descent from grace. This will be the first time an Iranian President visits Egypt since 1979. Also, hit with a shoe, a grave insult. Iran promises to meet with the West for nuclear talks on Feb. 26th. These have gone so well in past, especially when Iran backs out at the last minute.
Syrian opposition to open NY and DC offices, after Syrian opposition offer to talk peace blows from both sides – no talks with preconditions
Israel may be taking credit for an airstrike in Syria last week, “pre-emptive action”
Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili accused President Misha Saakashvili seeks to destabilize the country and pledged to restore relationship with Russia at his 100 days in office news conference
Bulgaria blames Hezbollah for attack on Israelis in July, sophisticated bomb – says Europol
Rebels raided a Southern village in the West African country of Senegal leaving 5 dead, The Movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance has waged a low level war there since the 80s, Casamance is peculiarly situated as the country of Gambia separates it from everything else
South African police arrest 19 suspected members of M23, Congo rebel group
23 killed in attack on Pakistan army post by the Taliban, as well as 12 attackers, 1 day after 30 killed in mosque bombing
Foreign troops secure Kidal in Mali, (1,800 Chad) France says they hope to withdraw by the end of March
Bombing at Afghanistan tea house kills at least 3, Roadside bomb in Afghanistan kills 5, including 2 children
Kuwait arrests 3 former MPs for insulting the country’s ruler during recent crackdown
Suicide bomb kills 15 in Northern Iraq
Burmese government holds talks with rebels in China this week
S Korea says nuclear test in N Korea will most likely happen, seems “imminent”
Indian activist protest new rape law, saying it is not enough
22 killed in clash between Filipino rebels and Islamist extremists
It’s Safer Internet Day Pretty much a day to raise awareness about online issues and safety. This year the theme is actually connecting across generations, something I whole-heartedly support. Go send your grandma an email.
