House advances Defense authorization bill: What We're Reading Now
Dec 15, 2011

IRAN
U.S. Concerned Iran on Verge of Underground Nuclear Enrichment
A.R. Lakshmanan, The San Francisco Chronicle -- December 15, 2011
The Obama administration is concerned Iran is on the verge of being able to enrich uranium at a facility deep underground near the Muslim holy city of Qom, which may strengthen those advocating tougher action to stop Iran's suspected atomic weapons program.

Iran ready to start nuclear work in bunker: sources
Fredrik Dahl, Reuters -- December 15, 2011
Iran could soon begin sensitive atomic activities in an underground facility deep inside a mountain, diplomatic sources said on Wednesday, a move that would up the ante in a stand-off with big powers demanding Tehran curb such work.

NORTH KOREA
US says food aid to North Korea could resume pending outcome of talks in Beijing
The Washington Post -- December 15, 2011
U.S. officials say food aid to North Korea could resume depending on whether Pyongyang can provide the necessary monitoring assurances in talks between the sides that began Thursday in Beijing.

UPDATE 1-US House votes sanctions on Iran, North Korea, Syria
Susan Cornwell, Reuters Africa -- December 15, 2011
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Wednesday that would expand sanctions on Iran, cracking down on a wider range of energy issues and closing some loopholes in existing energy and financial sanctions.