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.

How Sept. 11 Changed the Nuclear Industry: What We're Reading Now
Sep 09, 2011

IRAN
West Keep's Pressure On Iran's Nuclear Program
Margaret Besheer, Voice of America -- September 07, 2011
Western nations on Wednesday warned that they will not let up their pressure on Iran to comply with international demands that it suspend its nuclear enrichment activities and answer questions about its disputed atomic program.

In shift, Iran's President Calls for End to Syrian Crackdown
Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times -- September 8, 2011
For years, posters celebrating the decades-old alliance joining Syria and Iran festooned the streets and automobiles of the Syrian capital — the images of Presidents Bashar al-Assad and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad embroidered with roses and daffodils.

NORTH KOREA
North Korea leader Kim Jong-il appears with Kim Jong-un
BBC News -- September 09, 2011
North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il has appeared at national celebrations with his son and heir apparent Kim Jong-un.

North Korea Problem "Very Tough," Obama Nominee Says
Global Security Newswire -- September 8, 2011
The Obama administration's nominee to assume a top spot at the State Department on Wednesday said Washington has "no good choices" in resolving the long-running standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons work, Agence France-Presse reported.