While you were sleeping: 16 February 2016

Turkey enraged at Russian-backed offensive, USA & China in possible North Korean sanctions agreement, and Nadal to attend Rio Open.

By John Stupart

16 Feb 2016

“Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain it's what you want before you commit.”

– Elizabeth Gilbert

Story of the Day

Op-Ed: The Nicholson Judgement was the tool, not the motivation, for Thabo Mbeki's recall
Mbeki’s newsletters are required reading for those with an interest in conspiracy theories - and those with medium-term memories. They provide some sort of illustration about what was happening in his mind during his presidency and what is happening in his mind now. While some of his musings have invited ridicule, the latest edition is different. It's about the judgment that led to his recall. He's right to criticise that judgment, but it appears he still doesn't understand what really happened. By STEPHEN GROOTES.

While you were sleeping

Turkey furious over Russian-backed offensive
An offensive in Syria, supported by Russian forces, has placed Syrian and Kurdish troops within 25km of the Turkish border. To make matters worse, almost 50 civilians were killed in the missile attacks on five medical facilities and two schools in rebel-held territory. The UN, in turn, has called this a blatant violation of international law. A ceasefire, it seems, couldn't possibly be further away right now.
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Germany expects 500,000 refugees in 2016
The German government is bracing itself for a large influx of refugees this year. That said, however, in 2015 just over a million refugees – which Germany defines as both actual refugees and migrants – entered the country. With a dwindling population and the need for a young, motivated workforce, the potential new citizens may well be a welcome addition.
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US confident of support for North Korean sanctions
President Barack Obama's top security advisor, Susan Rice, has expressed confidence that there will be support, primarily from China, for a new array of sanctions against North Korea. Dear Leader's country is in hot water after launching a series of rockets. Because what will absolutely bring a tinpot dictator to heel is more sanctions...
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Nadal defends Rio ahead of championship
Rafael Nadal has dismissed fears of the outbreak of the Zika virus ahead of his participation at next week's Rio Open. The former world number one will be one of the first major sports professionals to compete in the city. Nadal, meanwhile, noted that people were "living normal lives", and downplayed the impact of Zika in Rio itself.
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In Numbers

The average committee meeting attendance percentage for all EFF members in Parliament.

Facts of the Day

Today is Kim Jong Il's birthday. This august occasion is called 'Day of the Shining Star'.

Fact of the day: When a dead whale is found on the British isle, strictly-speaking, the head belongs to the king and the tail to the queen.

Weather & Financial Data

BFN: min: 20° max: 33°, rainy
CPT: min: 17° max: 29°, sunny
DBN: min: 23° max: 24°, rainy

EL: min: 20° max: 24°, rainy
JHB: min: 18° max: 34°, rainy
KIM: min: 20° max: 34°, rainy
NLP: min: 15° max: 35°, rainy
PMB: min: 17° max: 23°, rainy
PKN: min: 18° max: 34°, cloudy
PE: min: 18° max: 25°, cloudy
PTA: min: 20° max: 34°, cloudy

Oil=$33.69 Gold=$1,204.16 Platinum=$936.45
R/$=15.78 R/€=17.59 R/£=22.81 $/€=1.11
JSE All Share=49,851.95 DJIA=15,973.84 FTSE 100=5,835.94 : Source