What's going on in the World Today 101127

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USA
U.S.: Wikileaks To Release Secret Documents November 27, 2010

Wikileaks will likely release 2.8 million documents Nov. 28 classified as “secret,” not ‘top secret,” according to German newspaper Der Spiegel citing Wlcentral.org, the website that tracks Wikileaks documents and news, the International Business Times reported Nov. 27. The website posting said released documents will include 251,287 cables and 8,000 diplomatic directives?. One cable is from 1966 but most are dated 2004?-2010, with 9,005 documents from the first two months of 2010. Der Spiegel, The New York Times, The Guardian, Le Monde and El Pais accessed the files in advance.

EUROPE
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

ASIA
Ag
enda: With Rodger Baker STRATFOR The fast-growing economies of Asia, particularly China and India, are moving rapidly to secure their energy supplies for the future, STRATFOR’s VP of Strategic Intelligence Rodger Baker says.

North Korea: South Vows Revenge November 27, 2010

South Korean marine commander Lt. Gen. Yoo Nak Joon called for a “thousand-fold” revenge following a North Korean attack that killed two servicemen and two civilians, Reuters reported Nov. 27. Seoul called for preparation against “unexpected action” from Pyongyang and cooperation with the Korea-U.S. joint force. North Korea provided an unusual expression of regret for the civilian deaths but stated that South Korea should be blamed for using a human shield.

RUSSIA
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

IRAN
Syria and Iran Come to a Temporary Understanding over Hezbollah STRATFOR

Dispatch: China's Inflation Fears STRATFOR

Iran: Bushehr Plant Begins Operations November 27, 2010

Bushehr, Iran’s first Russian-built atomic power plant, began operations ahead of a new round of Western talks over Iran’s controversial nuclear effort, AFP reported Nov. 27. The reactor cover was sealed and the fuel rods are in the reactor’s core, according to atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi who was quoted by Fars news agency. Salehi did not specify when Bushehr became operational but stated that Iranian authorities hope Bushehr-produced electricity will be connected to the national grid “in a month or two.”

IRAQ

Iraq: New Government Expected Soon November 27, 2010

Iraq’s political impasse will end with a new government expected by mid-December, Prime Minister-designate Nuri al-Maliki said Nov. 27, AFP reported. Agreement over ministerial portfolios is now possible, he
stated during a Baghdad news conference.

ISRAEL
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

AFGHANISTAN
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia's Succession Labyrinth

STRATFOR

SOUTH OF THE BORDER
Venezuela: Russia Lends $4 Billion For Arms November 27, 2010

During a visit by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Russia offered a $4
billion credit to purchase weapons and defense equipment, Reuters
reported Nov. 27. Venezuela is defending the fatherland against the
“threat of empire and its allies,” Chavez stated during a ceremony
celebrating 90 years of Venezuela’s air force. He did not provide
details on the types of defense equipment available for purchase.
MISC
Intelligence Guidance: Week of Nov.
21, 2010 STRATFOR

Above the Tearline: U.S. Embassy Security STRATFOR

Except where noted courtesy www.stratfor.com