Russian Official: No Missile Deal at NATO Summit: What We're Reading Now
Mar 14, 2012
Iran
Most Americans would back U.S. strike over Iran nuclear weapon: poll
Jeff Mason, Reuters - March 13, 2012
A majority of Americans would support military action against Iran if there were evidence that Tehran is building nuclear weapons, even if such action led to higher gasoline prices, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed on Tuesday.
Three of Four American Oppose Israeli Strike on Iran
Indira A.R. Lakshmanan, Bloomberg - March 13, 2012
An Israeli military strike against Iran’s nuclear program is opposed by three out of four Americans, according to a poll by the University of Maryland and the Program on International Policy Attitudes.
Iran May Not Open a Site to Inspectors
Rick Gladstone, New York Times - March 13, 2012
Iran signaled on Tuesday that it was unwilling to grant a request by international nuclear inspectors for unfettered access to a restricted military complex that they suspect may house a chamber designed to test explosives used in atomic weapons triggers.
Iranian-backed terror groups expanding reach in South America, warns general
Carlo Munoz, The Hill (Blog) - March 13, 2012
Iranian-backed terror groups are strengthening their ties to transnational criminal groups in South America and are working to expand their influence in the region, according to a top U.S. general.
Retired general: U.S. can’t stop Iran from making nukes: What We're Reading Now
Feb 27, 2012
IRAN
Retired general: U.S. can’t stop Iran from making nukes
Kristina Wong, Washington Times - February 24, 2012
A former high-ranking military official says the U.S. does not have the ability to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
New IAEA report shows Iran expands nuclear enrichment at Natanz
Laura Rozen, Yahoo News (Blog) - February 24, 2012
A new UN atomic watchdog agency report raises concerns about Iran's rapid expansion of enrichment activities, as well as its continued foot-dragging in refusing to answer questions about suspected military dimensions of its nuclear program. But the new assessment also hinted at possible technical problems Iran is experiencing, nuclear experts said.
Iran may be "struggling" with new nuclear machines
Fredrik Dahl, Reuters - February 27, 2012
Iran is still relying on old technology to expand its nuclear programme, in what may be a sign it is having difficulties developing modern machines that could speed up production of potential bomb material.
Israeli attack on Iran might pull US into new war
Robert Burns, Associated Press - February 26, 2012
An Israeli pre-emptive attack on Iran's nuclear sites could draw the U.S. into a new Mideast conflict, a prospect dreaded by a war-weary Pentagon wary of new entanglements. That could mean pressing into service the top tier of American firepower — warplanes, warships, special operations forces and possibly airborne infantry — with unpredictable outcomes in one of the world's most volatile regions.
What We’re Reading Now
Aug 03, 2011
PAKISTAN
Pakistan, Afghanistan, U.S. hold meeting on Afghan peace process
Muhammad Tahir, Xinhua- August 3, 2011
Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Javid Ludin said Tuesday that Pakistan can offer help in engaging the Taliban leadership with a view to bringing them over to the peace process.
The political will for peace in Kashmir
Marie Lall, Al Jazeera- August 2, 2011
The main obstacle to peace between India and Pakistan is a passive acceptance of the status quo.
IRAN
Iran centrifuge news increases risk
Cliff Kupchan, Foreign Policy- August 2, 2011
News that Tehran is reportedly planning to deploy faster centrifuges at a hardened site and intends to triple production of highly enriched uranium increases somewhat the risk of Israeli strikes, if Iran can follow through.