Video from Russia Today

In the past Russia has had more success than others at connecting with North Korea, but now there’s no luck.

IRAN: To coincide with the Nowruz festival, celebrating spring, Obama released a new video appeal to Iran. In the video, Obama praises Iran, and again stressed his wish for a mutual understanding between the two countries.

Watch the video: New Year, New Beginning

Reacting positively, the Iranian press advisor embraced the video, but said he wants concrete action more than words. He told the AFP:

We welcome the wish of the president of the United States to put away past differences.

But the way to do that is not by Iran forgetting the previous hostile and aggressive attitude of the United States.

The American administration has to recognise its past mistakes and repair them as a way to put away the differences.

A nice unyielding response. What I found interesting was reading all the comments from readers on the news articles about the video. Basically everyone said “This seems good, but what next?” I hope the Obama administration has a plan, because I’d hate to think of this as a pleasant Friday stunt to distract everyone from economic news over the weekend.

Al Jazeera English article: Obama offers Iran ‘new beginning’

See the French perspective on Clinton’s first meeting with Russia. The US is hoping for Russia’s help in dealing with Iran.

This video clip also covers some other stories that France 24 English is watching right now, including Michael Jackson’s return tour.

Photo: Alex Johnson

Although it may seem sacrilege right now to have reservations about Obama’s magical ability to heal the world, this Outlook India piece lays it out. Before Obamamania set it, a startlingly small percentage of the world thought that a change in Presidency would bring any meaningful change to U.S. foreign policy.

The fact that Obama is riding high is good right now, but could result in a damning backlash if he fails too often or too soon.

Article from Outlook India: Time To Deliver

Photo by Radio Nederland Wereldomroep

CARACAS, VENEZUELA: There has been a quiet struggle between South America and Israel ever since the Gaza attacks. On the first day of the invasion, Chavez kicked the Israeli envoy out of Venezuela, and Evo Morales quickly followed suit. Despite having claimed that diplomatic ties were cut, Venezuelan diplomats were still in Israel until today. Doing what, I don’t know. Could be the Hugo Chavez Roadmap for Peace, but now we’ll never know. Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, had this to say:

The response of the state of Israel is weak, late and, in any case for us, it’s an honour… We’re proud that the state of Israel that exists today, led by these criminals, made this decision… All of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities know religious discrimination is not a problem that has, or will have, a place in our society.

Article from Al Jazeera English: Israel expels Venezuelan envoys