North Korea is given it’s first warning
The United States has started the day, continuing in similar fashion to the previous weeks and issuing warnings against countries. Today it’s the Turn of North Korea. In some ways it was expected, since the Defence Secretary James Mattis, was in South Korea on the first diplomatic mission overseas, by the Trump administration. This story has made the headlines in quite a few international journals and will play through a few news cycles. Our pick is the post from Al Jazeera.
North Korea faces ‘overwhelming’ US response if it uses nuclear arms – Mattis. The Guardian
Mattis warns North Korea of ‘overwhelming’ response to nuclear use. BBC World News
US warns North Korea against nuclear attack. Al Jazeera
The US almost criticised the settlement expansion, but then backed off, again.
Israel’s advancing settlements are still causing great concern for most of the International community. A period of uncertainty is looming as to how far the Israeli’s will go under the Trump administration, with Trump having committed his support to Israel. The UN, aid agencies and other countries are cautioning the Israelis that this new advancement will harm the two state peace solution. Israel is defiant as ever and bulldozing it’s way though diplomacy and Palestinian lands.
This is all taking place in the same week as the Quebec Mosque shootings, where Jews are opening the doors to Synagogues to Muslims as a place of refuge and prayer, and thus far the Canadian community collectively, has raised $350,000 dollars.
New Israel settlements ‘may not be helpful’ to peace, says US. BBC World News
Israel announces plans for a further 11,000 settler homes in East Jerusalem. The Independent
Donald Trump tells Israel to stop building new settlements. The Independent
US says Israeli settlements ‘may not be helpful’. Al Jazeera
Israeli settlements not ‘impediment’ for peace, just ‘not helpful’ – White House. RT News
Iran is still ‘on notice’, Donald Trump confirms it.
A quick soundbite for Iran, who is still ‘on notice’ and this time President Trump reinforces the message himself. This all follows the ballistic missile tests from Iran, which the US claim are in violation of UN resolution 2231. If you have the appetite for it, we have included a link to the resolution for you to read through from the UN’s website.
Trump administration: ‘We are officially putting Iran on notice’. BBC World News
Trump administration ‘officially putting Iran on notice’, says Michael Flynn. The Guardian
Stop associating ‘Islam’ with words like ‘terror, they just don’t go together.
In other news President Erdogan made a point of stating that Islam is a religion of peace and should not be associated with phrases like terrorism. This was done during Angela Merkal’s state visit to Turkey. It was a rebuke to Merkal’s use of ‘Islamist terror’. The rebuke came during a joint press conference where the president of Turkey, interrupted the Germans address to make his point.
‘Islam is a religion of peace’: Erdogan rebukes Merkel for ‘Islamist terrorism’ phrase. RT News
Erdoğan urges Germany to take immediate steps against FETÖ during Merkel’s visit to Ankara. Daily Sabah
A To-do list for Brexit
Prime Minister Theresa May’s government published its blueprint for Brexit on Thursday after winning a first parliamentary vote on a bill that would empower her to start pulling Britain out of the EU.
London is aiming for a “new, positive and constructive partnership between Britain and the European Union that works in our mutual interest”, Brexit minister David Davis said as he launched the 77-page document in parliament.
The plan says Britain will aim to create a new mechanism to settle trade disputes once it leaves the European Union and pass new immigration and customs laws. And in related news, a new campaign to challenge Brexit is under way.
At last, White Paper sets out 12 key Brexit goals. Now for the 12 key unanswered questions. The Independent
The white paper on Brexit: a wish list disguised as a strategy. The Guardian
Campaigners launch fresh Brexit legal challenge over single market. The Guardian
Britain brace yourself, the BLT might start missing the lettuce; food rationing hits the UK.
Tesco & Morrison’s has rationed customers to three iceberg lettuces per visit. It follows months of poor growing conditions in Spain. Last month courgettes were in short supply and this month lettuce and broccoli are short.
Does any one want to buy broccoli? However, according to ‘The Independent’ bacon is in short supply; this little piggie stayed at home it seems.
Iceberg lettuces rationed as vegetable crisis hits supermarkets. BBC News
Threat of bacon shortage rises due to increased demand. The Independent
Supermarkets ration lettuces after poor weather hits growers. The Guardian
Social Media
To the men, women and children of Iran: you are officially on notice that I love you.
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) February 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/godessontop/status/827421988671086592
White House response to Israeli #settlement expansion be like- "shooting your wife in the face may not be good for your marriage" #Fail
— Noura Erakat (@4noura) February 3, 2017
BREAKING !! PM Theresa May Vows to Walk Hand in Hand with President Donald Trump into a Brave New World Order! #MAGA https://t.co/tSojPIPC6q
— USA NEWS (@USANEWS007) January 26, 2017
SHE DID IT AGAIN#FiftyShadesDarker pic.twitter.com/XXUUAqMjx8
— pamella (@poeticbooks) February 3, 2017
