IRAN/UNITED STATES: Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta responded to Iranian threats to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz and effectively cut off the world’s oil supply. Panetta asserted that any attempt to do so would draw a swift U.S. military response.  (Los Angeles Times)
PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN/UNITED STATES: Pakistani and American officials say a two-month lull in U.S. drone strikes in the region has emboldened al Qaeda and other militant factions, allowing them to increase attacks on Pakistani security forces and allied troops in Afghanistan.  (Times of India)
NIGERIA: Embattled President Jonathan pleaded with the public to avoid a planned nationwide strike.  Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with rampant corruption, rising fuel and commodity prices and the government’s failure to prevent a recent string of attacks by the militant group Boko Haram.  (Reuters Africa)
YEMEN:  Yemen’s cabinet approved a law granting President Saleh and his government immunity from prosecution for crimes committed during his 33-year rule, despite nationwide protests against the legislation.  (The Guardian)
CUBA: Former leader Fidel Castro’s first column in two months appeared in newspapers Jan. 8, putting weeklong rumors of his death to rest.  (Miami Herald)