North-South Korea talks in US serious, but civil: What We're Reading Now
Oct 19, 2011

IRAN
Sanctions, flaws hobble Iran nuclear program: study
AFP - October 18, 2011
Iran's nuclear program has been hampered by machine design flaws, equipment breakdowns and problems getting parts because of international sanctions, a US think-tank report said.

Iran could make atom bomb material despite hurdles: report
Fredrik Dahl, Reuters - October 18, 2011
Iran's nuclear program is struggling with low-performing enrichment machines but it would still be able to produce material that could be used for atomic bombs, according to a U.S. think tank.

UK orders asset freeze over assassination plot
David Stringer, Bloomsberg Businessweek - October 19, 2011
Britain's Treasury said Tuesday it had ordered the assets of five men frozen in connection with the alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States.

NORTH & SOUTH KOREA
China's vice premier to visit North, South Korea
AP - October 19, 2011
A Chinese vice premier will visit North and South Korea in rare rapid succession as Beijing notes positive momentum is growing to restart stalled talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament.