Syria crackdown has killed 5,000 people, UN says: What We're Reading Now
Dec 13, 2011

IRAN
Israeli aide: U.S. will lose standing if Iran gets nuclear weapons
Ben Birnbaum, The Washington Times -- December 12, 2011
The United States could lose its role as the “main player” in the Middle East if Washington fails to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, according to a special envoy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran Rejects US Calls to Return Downed Drone
Voice of America -- December 13, 2011
Iran says the United States should accept its consequences after a U.S. surveillance aircraft went down in Iranian territory earlier this month.  The Obama administration has made a formal request for Iran to return the aircraft, but Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday that the U.S. should apologize instead.

NORTH KOREA
US envoy says North Korea 'must change behaviour'
Associated Foreign Press -- December 12, 2011
The United States will consider meeting North Korean officials if they make good on nuclear disarmament pledges, but they first "must change their behaviour", according to a top US envoy.  "The basic, most important point that has to be underscored is that it's really up to North Korea to take the right steps," Glyn Davies, the US special representative on North Korea, told reporters after meeting Japanese officials on Monday.

N Korea furious at South's Christmas lights plan
BBC News -- December 11, 2011
North Korea has warned South Korea of "unexpected consequences" if it lights up a Christmas tree-shaped tower near their tense border.