January 15, 2009 by Tim McDowell.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on 15 January 2009 that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il nominated his third son as his successor. Kim’s nomination of 24-year-old Kim Jong-Un came as a surprise to many international analysts and, allegedly, to internal party officials, as many had picked Kim Jong-Chul, the second son as heir apparent. The directive issued by Kim was reportedly delivered to the Worker’s Party, the ruling communist party, on 8 January. Jong-Un, unlike his older brothers, is not affiliated with party politics in North Korea. Confirmation of Jong-Un’s rumored nomination will likely come in March during the scheduled parliamentary elections.

Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments »

January 14, 2009 by Tim McDowell.

On 14 January 2009 several rockets were launched from southern Lebanon into northern Israel in the second such incident in the past week. Three rockets landed in open areas of the city of Kiryat Shmona, which is located approximately 3 mi/5 km south of the Lebanese border, but caused no damage or injuries; at least three other rockets were fired, but landed in Lebanese territory. Israeli officials believe the rockets originated from the village of Kfar Hamam, and in response fired a series of artillery shells toward it.

ASI Comment: As previously addressed in HOT SPOTS and World Watch®, Israeli officials were aware of the potential for incidents along the northern border in light of the military operations in the Gaza Strip, and have been on a high alert in the north. Additional security forces remain deployed to the border area, where tensions are high and concerns remain regarding the potential for a second front in the conflict to emerge. Similar to the rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel on 8 January, no group has claimed responsibility for the 14 January attack. Palestinian groups that are known to operate in southern Lebanon are most likely responsible; however, it is important to note that Hizballah — which denied any involvement in the 8 January incident and will likely deny involvement in the most recent attack — is the dominant force in southern Lebanon and is usually aware of events that transpire there. Concerns also remain that the impact area of the Gaza conflict inside Israel may be widening, as several minor shooting incidents have occurred (one along the Syrian-Israel border and the second along the Jordan-Israel border). Travelers should continue to avoid the immediate areas near the Israel-Lebanon border due to concerns over further rocket attacks or a possible escalation of tensions.

Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments »