China pledges to keep peace on Korean peninsula: What We're Reading Now
Jan 09, 2012
IRAN
Iran condemns American to die, starts nuclear bunker
Parisa Hafezi & Fredrik Dahl, Reuters - January 9, 2012
Iran announced on Monday it had sentenced a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen to death as a spy, and diplomats said it had switched on a uranium enrichment plant deep inside a mountain, actions certain to infuriate the West.
Why New Sanctions Raise Danger of Iran Building Nuclear Weapons
Tony Karon, TIME Magazine (Blog) - January 9, 2012
The White House believes the latest round of saber rattling from Iran is a sign that sanctions are beginning to bite. Perhaps. But as the U.S. and its European partners move to throttle Iran’s economy by cutting off its ability to export oil, it requires a stretch of the imagination to posit that Tehran’s response will be the one desired by Washington.
US will respond if Iran blocks Strait: Panetta
Jim Mannion, AFP - January 8, 2012
The United States will respond if Iran tries to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Sunday, saying such a move would cross a "red line."
NORTH KOREA
Nuclear envoys of S. Korea, China to meet in Beijing on N. Korea
Yonhap News - January 9, 2012
South Korea's chief nuclear envoy Lim Sung-nam will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart this week on ways to denuclearize North Korea following the death of the North's leader Kim Jong-il, a Seoul official said Monday.
Fewer, Better Nuclear Weapons Can Make the U.S. Stronger: What We're Reading Now
Jan 06, 2012
IRAN
Iran plans more war games in strait as sanctions bite
Robin Omeroy, Reuters - January 6, 2012
Iran announced plans on Friday for new military exercises in the world's most important oil shipping lane, the latest in weeks of bellicose gestures towards the West as new sanctions threaten Tehran's oil exports.
Energy-hungry Asian economies look to keep Iranian oil flowing in wake of US sanctions
Washington Post (AP) - January 6, 2012
China, the biggest buyer of Iran’s oil, has publicly rejected U.S. sanctions aimed at Tehran’s energy industry while American allies Japan and South Korea are scrambling to find a compromise to keep critical supplies flowing.
Denmark Assessing All Consequences of Imposing Iran Oil Embargo
Peter Levring, Bloomberg - January 6, 2012
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Villy Soevndal said all consequences are being studied as the European Union deliberates whether to impose oil sanctions on Iran.
NORTH KOREA
Rumor of N. Korean nuclear explosion prompt brief stock panic in South
Chico Harlan, Washington Post (Blog) - January 6, 2012
A rumor that an explosion occurred at North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear facility set off a brief panic Friday in the South Korean stock market, illustrating one of the ways in which Seoul is vulnerable to its neighbor.
Republican contenders talk tough on Iran: What We're Reading Now
Jan 05, 2012
IRAN
Iran nuclear crisis: EU moves towards crude oil ban
BBC - January 4, 2012
EU member states have agreed in principle to ban imports of Iranian crude oil to put pressure on the country over its nuclear programme.
EU's Iran oil ban: Will China help Tehran?
Peter Ford, The Christian Science Monitor - January 5, 2012
If Iran is hoping that China will buy more of its oil to make up the exports it is slated to lose because of a European embargo on Tehran’s crude it will be disappointed, Chinese analysts here predict.
Iran’s growing state of desperation
Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post (Op-Ed) - January 4, 2012
The discussion everywhere these days is about Iran’s strength. Mitt Romney, the Republican front-runner, describes Iran as “the greatest threat that the world faces over the next decade.” He and others are impressed by Iran’s recent declarations about its nuclear capacities and its missile tests.
Republican contenders talk tough on Iran
Michael Muskal, LA Times - January 4, 2012
Most political analysts have long argued that the 2012 presidential election will hinge on the nation's economy and job creation. Then why did Mitt Romney, in his post-Iowa caucuses speech, spotlight another place that begins with the letter "I" --- Iran?
Bomb Iran (Rick Santorum) versus withdraw from the world (Ron Paul): What We're Reading Now
Jan 04, 2012
IRAN
Iran grapples with currency market turmoil
Farhad Pouladi, AFP - January 4, 2012
Iran's currency market was in turmoil Wednesday as the central bank imposed draconian measures to try to shore up its beleaguered rial in the face of existing and looming Western sanctions.
Iran’s Nuclear Fuel Rod Isn’t Military Threat, U.S. Analysts Say
Brian Wingfield, Blommberg Businessweek - January 4, 2012
Iran’s development of a nuclear fuel rod for medical research isn’t a milestone in a quest for atomic weapons, according to energy analysts in the U.S.
Strait talk with Iran
Fredrick W. Kagan, LA Times (Op-Ed) - January 4, 2012
Iran's threat to close a vital international waterway if stricter sanctions are imposed on Iranian oil exports is more than just bellicose and provocative. It is also a test of U.S. will and commitment in the Persian Gulf at a time when our role in the region is changing.
NORTH KOREA
Amid N. Korea succession, China makes push for stability
Chico Harlan, Washington Post - January 4, 2012
In the days after Kim Jong Il’s death, China’s most powerful leaders hurried to the North Korean Embassy in Beijing, where they fanned across the embassy’s parquet floor and bowed three times to Kim’s portrait. One Chinese state councilor was “hardly” able to keep back tears, North Korea’s state-run news agency later said.
Happy Caucus Day!: What We're Reading Now
Jan 03, 2012
IRAN
Iran threatens U.S. Navy as sanctions hit economy
Parisa Hafezi, Reuters - January 3, 2012
Iran threatened Tuesday to take action if the U.S. Navy moves an aircraft carrier into the Gulf, Tehran's most aggressive statement yet after weeks of saber-rattling as new U.S. and EU financial sanctions take a toll on its economy.
The Very Definition of Blowing Smoke, Tehran Edition
Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic - January 3, 2012
Iran will take action if a U.S. aircraft carrier which left the area because of Iranian naval exercises returns to the Gulf, the state news agency quoted army chief Ataollah Salehi as saying on Tuesday.
Oil jumps to above $101 in Europe on concerns rising Iran tensions may threaten crude supplies
Washington Post (AP) - January 3, 2012
Oil prices jumped to over $101 a barrel Tuesday amid concerns that rising tensions between Western powers and Iran could lead to crude supply disruptions.
NORTH KOREA
South Korea's Lee calls on North to end nuclear activities
Jack Kim, Reuters - January 2, 2012
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak called on North Korea's new leader to seize the opportunity and return to dialogue, saying he was prepared to offer help to revive the North's shattered economy if it suspends nuclear activities.
Handsome accordion player is North Korea's kingmaker: What We're Reading Now
Dec 23, 2011
IRAN
Iran Navy to Hold War Games Near Crucial Sea Lanes
Rick Gladstone, The New York Times -- December 22, 2011
Iran put neighbors on notice Thursday that it was about to conduct vast naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, including war games near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for international oil traffic.
Bill Clinton says US must mull all options on Iran
Associated Foreign Press -- December 22, 2011
Former US president Bill Clinton said in a television interview to be shown Wednesday that President Barack Obama should not rule out military action on Iran, but there might be other ways "to skin the cat."
NORTH KOREA
North Korea Warns South to Respect Late Leader
Voice of America -- December 23, 2011
North Korea accused the South Friday of an intolerable response to the death of supreme leader Kim Jong Il by expressing sympathy for the North Korean people, but deciding not to send a government delegation to Kim's funeral next week.
Handsome accordion player is North Korea's kingmaker
Jack Kim, Reuters -- December 23, 2011
The power behind the throne in North Korea was a dashing accordion player in his youth, whose life changed when he met the daughter of autocratic founder Kim Il-Sung at university and wooed and married her despite the dictator's opposition.
Iran’s navy chief says his forces will hold war games in international waters:What We're Reading Now
Dec 22, 2011
IRAN
Israel's Barak boosts Obama amid U.S. threats on Iran
Dan Williams, Reuters -- December 22, 2011
Israel's defense minister extolled what he called Barack Obama's resolve and risk-taking on Thursday, remarks likely to help the president's re-election bid after the Pentagon beefed up warnings to Iran over its nuclear program.
Iran’s navy chief says his forces will hold war games in international waters
The Washington Post -- December 22, 2011
Iran’s navy chief said Thursday his forces plan to hold a 10-day drill in international waters beyond the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, an exercise that could bring Iranian ships into proximity with U.S. Navy vessels.
NORTH KOREA
South Korea Will Allow Citizens to Send Condolences to North
Jason Strother, Voice of America -- December 22, 2011
The South Korean government has not offered North Korea official condolences about the death of ruler Kim Jong Il, but it is allowing private citizens and organizations to express their sympathy by granting rare cross-border contact. The decision does not sit well with some activist groups who say no one should feel sorry about the loss of a dictator.
Thousands gather in snow to mourn Kim Jong Il
CBS News -- December 21, 2011
ens of thousands of mourners packed Pyongyang's snowy main square Wednesday to pay respects to late leader Kim Jong Il as North Korea tightened security in cities and won loyalty pledges from top generals for Kim's son and anointed heir.
Exclusive: North Korea's military to share power with Kim's heir: What We're Reading Now
Dec 21, 2011
IRAN
Top general says Iran shouldn't 'miscalculate our resolve'
Barbara Starr, CNN -- December 20, 2011
As Gen. Martin Dempsey toured around the globe over the last eight days, one issue was prominent -- Iran's nuclear intentions. Dempsey, in an exclusive interview with CNN, warned that Iran is playing a dangerous game that could ensnare the Middle East, the United States and others into conflict and a renewed nuclear arms race. From Iraq to Afghanistan, Kuwait to Saudi Arabia, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff heard about growing concerns about Iran's ambitions.
Diplomats agree to increase pressure on Iran
Roberto Landucci and Philip Pullella, Reuters -- December 21, 2011
Diplomats from the United States, the European Union and other allies agreed on Tuesday to step up pressure on Iran to force it to resume talks over its nuclear program, an Italian diplomatic source said.
NORTH KOREA
Why U.S.-China Strategic Competition Is Unlikely to Help Manage North Korea’s Transition
Tony Karon, Time -- December 21, 2011
The growing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China makes prospects for productive partnership in managing North Korea much less likely.
Who Has North Korea’s Nuclear 'Football'? Few Have an Answer
Elaine M. Grossman, National Journal -- December 20, 2011
On the heels of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il’s death, outside experts seem more uncertain than ever about who retains control over the hermit nation’s nuclear weapons or authority for their potential use.
North Korea's nuclear program
Suzanne Kelly and Pam Benson, CNN -- December 20, 2011
When it comes to assessing the future of North Korea's nuclear position and potential threat under a new leader, even the experts describe this transfer of power as an interesting predicament.
Exclusive: North Korea's military to share power with Kim's heir
Benjamin Kang Lim, Reuters -- December 21, 2011
North Korea will shift to collective rule from a strongman dictatorship after last week's death of Kim Jong-il, although his untested young son will be at the head of the ruling coterie, a source with close ties to Pyongyang and Beijing said.
Iran invites UN nuclear inspectors for visit: What We're Reading Now
Dec 20, 2011
NORTH KOREA
Pyongyang's Neighbors Worry Over Nuclear Arms
Keith Johnson, WSJ - December 20, 2011
For years, the biggest questions surrounding North Korea have involved the isolated country's nuclear devices and its missiles, some of which could reach Alaska. How the country's leadership succession will unfold in the aftermath of dictator Kim Jong Il's death—and what that means for North Korea's huge military and its nuclear arsenal—has now emerged in sharp relief.
North Korea's nuclear program
Suzanne Kelly & Pam Benson, CNN (Blog) - December 20, 2011
When it comes to assessing the future of North Korea's nuclear position and potential threat under a new leader, even the experts describe this transfer of power as an interesting predicament.
Chance for fresh nuclear detente with South Korea
Rowan Callick, The Australian - December 21, 2011
A senior South Korean intelligence official told The Australian he hoped the regime in the north now reconsidered its development of nuclear weapons, adding he felt there was a greater move towards dialogue.
North Korea: The View From Japan
Kirk Spitzer, TIME magazine (Blog) - December 20, 2011
Troops are not on high alert. Cities are not being evacuated. Leaders are not sprinting for fortified bunkers. As odd and erratic as the North Koreans might be, they are not about to inaugurate new leadership by raining nuclear destruction on their Asian-Pacific neighbors – and they probably couldn’t do so even if they wanted.
John Isaacs quoted in National Journal
Dec 20, 2011
By: Elaine Grossman
Originally published in the National Journal
The top four lawmakers on the House and Senate Armed Services committees met Thursday for a second day behind closed doors to hash out a compromise bill on fiscal 2012 defense authorization, a process expected to resolve months of disagreement over nuclear policy provisions.
Aiming to complete negotiations by early next week, the panel chairmen and ranking members had much more on their plate to discuss after each chamber took a stab at the Obama administration's $690 billion defense budget request. Other big issues in contention include Defense Department plans for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, the handling of combat detainees, and possible sanctions against the Central Bank of Iran for its alleged role in helping finance Tehran's nuclear efforts.
Some Pentagon and congressional officials, though, are watching the conference committee closely for an outcome on U.S. nuclear policy issues. This follows a House initiative in the spring to include so-called "New START Implementation" measures in its version of the defense bill, dubbed H.R. 1540.
Under the defense authorization legislation passed by the House, the administration could be restricted in its ability to reduce deployed or nondeployed nuclear weapons below levels set by the U.S.-Russian nuclear accord, unless required by another treaty or authorized by Congress.
