Cheat Sheet - Where Al Qaeda Holds Western Hostages

Today: Kerry: Get Assad Out of Gov't , There's No Getting Rid of David Vitter, America's Most Contemptible Senator , Snowden: I'm No Russian Spy January 22, 2014 EXCLUSIVE 1. Where Al Qaeda Holds Its Western Hostages Rebel infighting has caused al Qaeda factions to move dozens of Western captives kidnapped in Syria—including journalists and aid workers—deeper into territory under jihadist sway, reports Jamie Dettmer. The moves toward the Iraqi border overseen by the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) have increased fears for hostages' safety. Read it at The Daily Beast SEAT'S TAKEN 2. Kerry: Get Assad Out of Gov't Apparently slaughtering your own citizens isn't as popular as it used to be. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will not be part of the Syrian transitional government that is being negotiated. In response, Syria's representative accused the U.S. of supporting terrorist groups in the opposition. "We have to deal with reality here. We really do… That means that Bashar Assad will not be part of that transitional government," Kerry said. "The man who led the brutal response on his own people cannot regain legitimacy." Read it at the Wall Street Journal NEXT LUV-GOV? 3. David Vitter Slithers Back to the Bayou After surviving a prostitution scandal and a dead madam, the Republican senator announced he is going to run for governor of Louisiana. There really is no getting rid of America's most contemptible senator, says Michael Tomasky. Read it at The Daily Beast DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH? 4. Snowden: I'm No Russian Spy Edward Snowden called the charge that he's working or helping the Russians "absurd" in an interview with The New Yorker on Tuesday. The leading Republican on the House Intelligence Committee leveled the accusation last weekend. Snowden declared via encrypted communications that he "clearly and unambiguously acted alone, with no assistance from anyone, much less a government." An FBI official said that the bureau believes Snowden acted alone, according to a New York Times report. Read it at New Yorker YET AGAIN 5. Northeast Digs Out From Snow Step aside, polar vortex. A strong winter storm hit the East Coast Tuesday afternoon and on through the night, leaving behind 15 inches of snow in some areas. Multiple states in the Northeast, including New York, declared emergencies, and Philadelphia closed schools and city offices. The real concern now is the deep chill that is expected in the area, which is expected to drop below zero in Pennsylvania. Read it at USA Today DENIAL McDonnell: 'I Did Nothing Illegal' After being indicted on 14 counts. HERO 8-Year-Old Saves Six in Fire Dies trying to save seventh. EQUAL RIGHTS Judge: No Banning Gays From Jury Expanding juror protections. REBEL YELL Pussy Riot Coming to Brooklyn After being released from prison camps. DUH Sherman: Rant Was 'Immature' Response 'mindboggling.' POPSUGAR Blue Ivy is Totally a Daddy's Girl The Wrap 'Dads' Semen Joke Draws Explosive Outpouring from PTC YourTango Hollywood Good Girls Gone Bad… GET The Cheat Sheet A speedy, smart summary of news and must-reads from across the Web. You'll love the featured original stories on politics, entertainment, and more from The Daily Beast's diverse group of contributors. GET Culture Beast Weekly cultural recommendations from The Daily Beast. Will the World Buy NSA Reform? Is the new NSA protocol that President Obama unveiled last week really less intrusive? And if so, does anyone buy it? Global news outlets take a look at the NSA—for a change. More Videos Becoming George Takei by Marlow Stern NYC: Football Capital of America by Ben Jacobs Autumn of the Patriarchy by Sally Kohn

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