Sequels in Jan 2015

January 26, 2015
Anti-austerity won the election in Greece

The new administration is proceeding to change the direction. It is still unclear whether Greece will remain in Euro zone.

The Washington Post: Greece really might leave the euro


January 21, 2015
Islamic State takes Japanese hostages

According to the media, IS released a photo in which Yukawa was dead. They demanded the release of Sajida Mubarak Atrous al-Rishawi, a terrorist detained in Jordan and sentenced to the death penalty for attempted suicidal attack. Jordan is willing to accept the request in exchange for the release of Muadh al-Kasasbeh, a Jordan pilot restrained in IS. The negotiation is still ongoing.

The US and the UK have never negotiated with terrorists so far. If this exchange of hostages is established successfully, there is a concern about increased abduction cases in the future. On the other hand, it is also said that many American and British hostages were killed by Islamic Fundamentalists. The outcome of this hostage swap is paid great attention.

The Guardian: Jordan shows that negotiating with terrorists can reap rewards

By the way, some people in Japan made up funny movies and images by processing the movie uploaded by IS. Their works were gathered as "Kuso-Kora Grand Prix" (Shit collage Grand Prix). It ignited domestic criticism for indiscretion. On the other hand, some foreign media deemed their works as a protest against terrorism through discriminating their brute behaviors. Some IS members were banned from Twitter because they blamed the collages with too discriminating words.

The Daily Dot: Japan's silly response to ISIS propaganda did what the U.S. government couldn't

It is interesting because I guess most of the creators had no political intention. Some activities on the internet often influence on foreign culture unintentionally.  


January 12, 2015
Crocodile bile kills 56 people in Mozambique

I read an article that crocodile bile is not poisonous, although some people in Mozambique believe it.

Forbes: Deadly 'Crocodile Bile' Brew Poison Identity Inconclusive, Says Mozambique Official

The Washington Post: At least 72 in Mozambique are dead after drinking ‘poisoned’ beer. Is crocodile bile to blame?

Why and how the victims were murdered in this event remains to be clarified. Some glycosides, methanol, or pesticides are suspected as ingredient, estimated from the symptoms appeared in the victims. The investigation encounters a difficulty due to insufficient resource in national Mozambique public health laboratories.


January 8, 2015
Charlie Hebdo shooting case

Al-Qaeda released a criminal declaration about this case.

It called a global discussion regarding the conflict between the liberty of expression and respect for religious thoughts. The response of the publishers varied; some published the issued image by Charlie Hebdo and others did not. In Japan, some newspaper made an apology for publishing the image afterwards. Many anti-terrorism demonstration were performed in Europe. But in some countries, they were interfered by the government.

Charlie Hebdo continued to publish new issues, owing to support of other publishers. Its sales have grown, opposing to the intention of the shooters.


January 5, 2015
Severe cold

It took more than one week to recover from the cold. I should be careful about my health status.


January 3, 2015
Bad luck brings you cancer

Unsurprisingly, this article received criticism. It is complicated to investigate the validity of the procedure adopted in this research.