White House Condemns Iraq Bombings

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney issued the following statement in response to a series of bombings that killed at least 60 people in Iraq this morning:

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against innocent Iraqis, which serve no agenda other than murder and hatred.  We offer our condolences to those whose loved ones were lost or wounded.  Attempts such as this to derail Iraq’s continued progress will fail.  Iraq has suffered heinous attacks like this in the past, and its security forces have shown they are up to the task of responding and maintaining stability.  Time and again, the Iraqi people have shown their resilience in overcoming efforts to divide them.  We continue to urge leaders to come together to face common challenges.”

“Vice President Biden has spoken to several senior Iraqi leaders over the past week. Today he called Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to offer our full support for his efforts, and those of other Iraqi leaders, to foster dialogue that will allow all Iraqi blocs to work through their differences together. The Vice President also reiterated the need for actions to be guided by the rule of law and Iraq’s Constitution. At this difficult time, the United States stands with Iraq as a strategic partner and a close friend.”

Report: Kim Jong Un Won't Be Sole NK Leader

Kim Jong Un, the son of recently deceased dictator Kim Jong Il, will share power in North Korea with the country’s military and his uncle, according to a Reuters report.

Reuters stated that their source, described as being closely tied with the North Korean capitol of Pyongyang, has accurately predicted outcomes in the isolated country before.

The shared power model is likely a move to ensure stability in the isolated nation. Although the twenty-something Kim Jong Un appeared to be his father’s handpicked successor, he was burdened by inexperience and little time to be groomed for the role.

Read the full Reuters report here.

Fukushima Meltdown May Have Caused American Deaths, Study Shows

According to a new peer-reviewed study published in the December edition of the International Journal of Health Services – researchers found that there were 14,000 excess deaths in America in the 14 weeks after the Fukushima meltdown - and they believe these deaths can be traced back to radioactive fallout. 

A similar phenomenon was studied at Chernobyl in 1986.

Washington Reacts To Kim Jong Il's Death

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney released the following statement in response to news reports that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il died over the weekend:

“We are closely monitoring reports that Kim Jong Il is dead. The President has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies.”

The White House also announced that President Obama had phoned his South Korean counterpart, Lee Myung-Bak, to discuss the news:

“At midnight tonight, President Obama spoke with Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong Il. The President reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops and agreed they would direct their national security teams to continue close coordination.”

Kerry Calls For Swift Transition In Egypt

By Mike Hothi

On the cusp of parliamentary elections in Egypt, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair John Kerry (D-Mass.) called on the Egyptian military to allow for a “prompt transition” to civilian rule.

“The Egyptian people have summoned grit, determination, and commitment casting their ballots even in the face of turmoil,” said Kerry. “Now the military must make way for a prompt transition to a civilian government with real authority.”

Kerry’s comments come as protestors have occupied Tahrir Square, demanding an immediate end to military rule. Tahrir Square is the same location protestors gathered during the revolt that led to the ouster of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak earlier this year.

Kerry continued, “I hope that today’s elections mark the beginning of a new political order for Egypt. The work that began in Tahrir Square mustn’t end there.”