BIE iNews Views 1.20.13
Twenty-three hostages and 32 militants were killed after an attack on a natural gas plant
deep in the Sahara after a desert gas complex was stormed by Algerian forces. It was also
reported that 107 foreign hostages and 685 Algerian hostages were released. This story
is ongoing and subject to change.
American intelligence agencies have discovered that North Korea is relocating its mobile
missile launchers around the country and some are carrying a new generation of missile that
poses a threat to the region. The KN-08 could represent Kim Jongun’s intention to attack
American allies or forces in Asia.
President-elect Park’s transition team has been at work for less than two weeks, but
the differences from President Lee’s approach are clearly evident. She is operating far
more cautiously, which is causing consternation among news reporters because of the lack of
information. Stay tuned.
China’s coal-fired power plants are contributing to a toxic smog that’s pushed air pollution
levels above the allowable limit of the 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air in some
cities and provinces. Seoul, Gwangju, and Busan had levels that were more than double
the government’s acceptable level. Sulphur and nitrogen oxide levels were 4 times higher
than last year. The annual yellow dust storms from the Gobi Desert in Mongolia will arrive
in the spring.
Lance Armstrong has now confessed to using performance enhancing drugs during his distinguished
cycling career. Public sentiment is still strongly against any forgiveness. The entire
sport has been affected by this public disclosure of widespread doping. Will this serve to clean
up the sport or cause it to lose popularity? Time will tell.
Samsung shipped 61million smart devices the last quarter of 2012, up 71% from last year.
Strong sales of Galaxy phones and flat screens used in mobile devices are expected to earn
Samsung a quarterly profit of $8.3 billion. Apple has shipped 46 million iPhones this
quarter. Nokia and RIM are struggling to catch up.
