Saturday's world stories
Flynn was warned about his Russia contacts
The Trump transition warned former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn about his Russia ties, the Washington Post reported, citing U.S. officials. The transition told Flynn his conversations with Russia's ambassador was almost certainly being monitored by U.S. intelligence agencies.
Why this matters: Flynn lost his job over his contacts with Russians. This new information, the Post says, "reveals the extent to which even some Trump insiders were troubled by the still-forming administration's entanglements with Russia and its enthusiasm for a friendly relationship with the Kremlin."
N. Korea alleges CIA plotted to kill Kim Jong-un
North Korea put out a statement today alleging a joint plot by the CIA and South Korea's National Intelligence Service to assassinate Kim Jong-un — and it's pretty unbelievable. BBC has the full text, but here are the allegations:
- The assassin: The CIA and South Korea recruited a North Korean lumberjack in Russia.
- The method: "Biochemical substances including radioactive substance and nano poisonous substance."
- The funding: At least $190,000, plus the required tech.
North Korea's threat: "If [the United States and South Korea] continue to make challenges in disregard of [North Korea]'s warning and common desire of humankind, they are bound to meet nothing but the most miserable end in history."
Consider: North Korea has provided no supporting evidence for its allegations, so they could be fabricated. Then again, it's worth remembering that the CIA has been known for absurd assassination attempts.