Around the World: Today's News for October 16th

CNN:

Tillerson on North Korea: Diplomacy will continue 'until the first bomb drops'

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Sunday his diplomatic efforts will continue as long as they possibly can despite the saber-rattling on both sides of the Pacific.

"Those diplomatic efforts will continue until the first bomb drops," Tillerson said on CNN's "State of the Union."

Yogi Berra couldn't have said it better.

Over in Europe...

Express:

Austria election RESULTS: 

Eurosceptic Sebastian Kurz declares VICTORY in nightmare for EU

Sebastian Kurz has declared victory in the Austrian elections following the latest vote projections, which could see him form an alliance with the far-right in a crushing blow for the European Union (EU).

The People’s Party (OVP) got 31.6 per cent of the vote, according to exit polls from pollster SORA. 

Mr Kurz's party is tough on migration, easy on taxes and widely Eurosceptic after rebranding itself over the last few months to propel its popularity in the wealthy Alpine nation.

The 31-year-old is expected to form a coalition with the right-wing populist Freedom Party (FPO), founded by a former SS officer, who got 26.9 per cent of the vote, according to the latest projections.

Speaking after 85 per cent of the votes were counted, Mr Kurz told his cheering supporters: "Today we have won a huge mandate to change this country, and I promise you I will work with all my energy for change.

"We want to establish a new culture in politics. And we want to change the country for the better.”

The Social Democratic Party, the largest party in the last government, are in third place with 26 per cent. 

How many elections does the Left have to lose before they realize they suck?

In another part of Europe...

Associated Press (via Yahoo News):

Yes or No? Catalan separatists face critical answer to Spain

Catalonia's president is facing a critical decision that could determine the course of the region's secessionist movement to break away from Spain.

The Spanish government has given Carles Puigdemont until Monday morning to clarify if he did or didn't actually declare independence earlier this week.

Puigdemont told Catalan lawmakers Tuesday that he had "accepted" a mandate for independence based on the results of a disputed referendum, but that he wanted parliament to delay its implementation "for a few weeks" to give one last chance to open negotiations with Spain.

If Puigdemont replies "Yes" to Madrid on Monday, then Spain's government has given him until Thursday to back down or else Catalonia's ample self-rule could be temporarily suspended.

But if Puigdemont replies "No," he will likely face rebellion from hardliners inside the secessionist camp which could topple his government and force a regional election for Catalonia. The far-left CUP party said on Saturday that it will withdraw its key support from Puigdemont's government if he fails to make a firm statement for a declaration of independence and deliver on that promise in the regional parliament.

There is only one good answer for Puigdemont, and that is "yes". From a historical perspective, rebels and people who speak truth to power tend to be remembered with reverence (i.e. Winston Churchill and Che Guevera). Leaders who go along to get along get lumped in with Neville Chamberlain.

Regardless of what he decides, Puigdemont's situation is unenviable. But there will almost certainly be a Spanish civil war at the end of this. Puigdemont just has to decide which side he takes.