Around The World [11.17.14]

Ukraine

• Obama Says Russia’s Arming of Separatists Breaks Pact With Ukraine (NYT) 

Syria

• Obama Calls Islamic State’s Killing of Peter Kassig ‘Pure Evil’ (NYT)

This is evil.



North Korea

• U.S. Intelligence Chief Describes Mission to Free Detainees in North Korea (NYT)

"The director of national intelligence, James R. Clapper Jr., described on Sunday his secret mission to seek the release of two Americans held in North Korea as a series of grim encounters with officials who expressed disappointment that he had not come bearing a “breakthrough” in relations.

The release of the two men was seen as a sign that the young and unpredictable North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, hoped to ease the deep chill in the countries’ relationship.

Mr. Clapper said that he did take a letter from President Obama, but that it was a short missive describing North Korea’s “willingness to release our two citizens as a positive gesture.”

Mr. Clapper said he found a “ray of optimism” in his dealings with younger North Koreans, who seemed more ready to engage than their older colleagues.

A younger official who accompanied him back to the airport, he said, “asked me if I’d be willing to come back to Pyongyang — which I certainly would.”